Montreal, October 24, 2003 – The anti-doping test administered to Team RONA/Esker cyclist Geneviève Jeanson on October 11 has turned out negative as expected. Jeanson undertook the test in compliance with International Cycling Union procedure, after a blood test revealed a hematocrit reading higher than the level considered safe by the UCI.

Informed while on holiday abroad, Geneviève Jeanson responded to the confirmed negative test results.

Jeanson neither surprised nor relieved

“I’m not surprised or relieved because I wasn’t in the least worried,” the Canadian road cycling champion said. “I’ve never taken a prohibited substance, so there was no way any trace could be found in my urine. However, I’m very glad to have these new test results as an answer to anyone who has suspicions about my integrity, especially those people who were in such a hurry to condemn me. On the other hand, I’ve had many expressions of sympathy and confidence from friends, my sponsors and cycling fans. I want these people to know that their trust is well founded, and I won’t betray it."

“I’m probably one of the most frequently tested cyclists in Canada, male or female. Since the start of this season, I’ve been tested more than 10 times, including two surprise tests. All these tests have come back negative, and there was no reason why this latest test result should have been any different."

“I still have to go through the formalities of regaining my racing license, which I’ll do when I return from vacation. There’s no rush anyway, since the World Road Championships were my last race this season. I’m okay with the sporting authorities, I’m at peace with my own conscience and I have my sponsors’ trust. So the incident is now closed.”

Cyclist will review oxygen tent use

“Having said that, I do intend to review my use of an oxygen tent, based on appropriate professional advice,” the Lachine-born athlete said. “I’ve used the tent for four years, and I’ve come to believe that it does me good. The first times I used an oxygen tent, in 1999 and 2000, I tracked my hematocrit levels very closely and took frequent blood tests. Once my usage pattern was established and stabilized, however, I took more time between checkups. I’m planning from now on to make sure I do a more thorough follow-up, not only to ensure that an incident like the one at the Worlds doesn’t happen again, but also to make doubly sure that the tent isn’t a health risk for me.”

Team RONA/Esker (www.equiperona.ca) is one of only two Canadian women’s cycling teams in the Elite Category recognized by the International Cycling Union. The team is made up of four Canadian racers (Geneviève Jeanson, Andrea Hannos, Carrie Tuck and Erinne Willock), French racers Catherine Marsal and Magali Le Floc’h, New Zealander Melissa Holt, German Karen Bockel and American Kristen LaSasso.

RONA is one of Canada’s leading hardware and home renovation retailers (www.rona.ca). Esker is a natural spring water from the north of Canada, sold in North America and Asia (www.eauesker.com).

The team also receives equipment sponsorships from many companies, including Colnago, Biemme, Shimano, Michelin, Mavic, Diadora, Limar, Selle Italia, ITM, Look, CatEye, Tacx, Finish Line, Cane Creek, Saris, Power Tap, Trialtir, Cycles Lambert and Club Médico-Sportif.