Collin Chartier tested positive on EPO earlier this week (out of competition test) and got suspended for three years. Big question among many people immediately was: will he have to pay back his prize money – $100,000 – from his PTO US Open victory? Chartier directly indicated that he was clean at the time, as evidenced by two doping tests taken in the week of the race. The PTO has just put out a statement that does not indicate that Chartier must repay the prize money, but does indicate that he has been suspended as a PTO member effective immediately:
Following the International Testing Agency (ITA) decision in respect of Collin Chartier regarding an Anti-Doping Rule Violation on 24 April 2023, the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has initiated its own investigation into his activities and compliance with the various PTO rules and regulations. Whilst this happens, Chartier has been immediately suspended from the PTO membership pending the outcome of the investigation.
We can confirm that Collin was tested in the week before the PTO US Open on Sunday 19 September, 2022, using a Dry Blood Spot (DBS) – as is usual at all PTO Tour races – and then did a urine test after the race. Both samples were analysed for prohibited substances, including EPO, and were found to be negative.
As we commented earlier this week, we were deeply disappointed to hear the news and strongly reiterate that protecting the integrity of our great sport is absolutely paramount to the purpose of the PTO and our members – as we have seen from many of their videos and social posts over the last few days. It was why the PTO Athlete Board made the decision for all athletes to be tested at each of our PTO races going back to the PTO 2020 Championship.
PTO Anti-Doping Programme
Since late 2020, the PTO has worked closely with respected, independent Anti-Doping consultant Michele Verroken and her company, Sporting Integrity, to set up, deliver and then oversee the PTO’s Anti-Doping Programme.
All athletes who competed in the 2022 PTO Tour races* were tested prior to the event. In addition to this, at least 10 men and 10 women were selected to provide urine samples post race which are then tested in accordance with the WADA Prohibited Substances List, including additional sports-specific analysis for ESAs and/or growth hormones. For races on the 2023 PTO Tour this will be the same again, including in Ibiza at next week’s PTO European Open.
To ensure collaboration and transparency with its Anti-Doping programme, the PTO works closely with World Triathlon and its relationship with relevant bodies such as the ITA and WADA.
Implications of Collin Chartier Suspension
As a result of Chartier’s immediate suspension from the PTO, his name will be removed from the current PTO World Rankings and the ongoing investigation will seek to establish what other sanctions may be required.
* Excluding DBS at the 2022 PTO Canadian Open in Edmonton due to country restrictions
