Multiple-time masters Canadian and world champion suspended eight years for doping

Gérard Louis Robert, a 68-years-old highly decorated masters cyclist has been suspended by the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sport (CCES) for eight years after testing positive for testosterone in a doping control.

The Quebec athlete was tested on August 27, 2016 during the Quebec track championships and the urine sample collected revealed the presence of testosterone. In response, Robert requested a hearing but on March 22, 2017 arbitrator Patrice Brunet confirmed the violation.

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During the appeal process, the UCI provided information to the CCES that confirmed the athlete had an anti-doping violation from 2009. In response, in accordance to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), Robert was then handed an eight-year suspension. Robert accepted the sanctions which will see him ineligible for competition and participation in cycling or any sports signatory to the CADP until October 10, 2024 when the suspension will conclude.

Robert, a resident of Montreal, Quebec, has a long list of successes in cycling. Since 1970, he was 1007 titles to his name according to Veloptimum. He has won 24 world championship titles, 21 Canadian national titles and 24 French national titles.

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After being beaten by Robert at the 2015 Canadian national championships, Gord Singleton said at the time,  “He is older than me and I commend him for being so fit at an old age. He’s remarkable. And I love the guy like a brother because I’ve known him for a long time. I love racing him. He’s a gentleman. But you get to our age and…there’s nobody home tonight.”