South African cyclist S’annara Grove provisionally suspended for failed doping test

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — South African cyclist S’annara Grove has been provisionally suspended because of a failed doping test, the International Testing Agency said Friday.

Grove’s sample collected on July 28 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow returned an “adverse analytical finding” for ipamorelin, the ITA said.

Ipamorelin, prohibited in and out of competition, “is a synthetic peptide used to stimulate the body’s natural production of growth hormone,” the testing agency said.

The ITA said Grove, who didn’t medal in her track cycling events at the Commonwealth Games, has been informed of the case and has the right to challenge the provisional suspension.

The 32-year-old Grove rides professionally for the Smurfit Westrock team and is listed as a competitor in the current Tour of Britain. The third stage of the race was Friday.

Grove has not publicly addressed the ITA’s announcement. The Smurfit Westrock and South Africa teams have been approached for comment.

Grove had been scheduled to represent South Africa at the road world championships in Montreal in September.

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