
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has advised Aussie Speedway Grand Prix rider Darcy Ward that he is provisionally suspended (with effect from August 28) pursuant to Article 7.5 of the FIM Anti-doping Code.
The decision to provisionally suspend Ward was taken following the receipt of a report from the FIM Track Racing Commission indicating that the result of an anti-doping control (alcohol test conducted by analysis of breath) carried out by the FIM on the rider at the Grand Prix of Latvia world championship held at Daugavpils, Latvia on August 17, 2014, revealed the presence of alcohol above the threshold of 0.10g/L as fixed under the FIM Anti-doping Code.
In accordance with Article 8.1.1 of the FIM Anti-doping Code and Article 3.3.2 of the FIM Disciplinary and Arbitration Code, the case will be referred to the FIM International Disciplinary Court which will adjudicate on the merits of the case.
For the duration of his provisional suspension, Ward is barred from participating in any competition. Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the FIM Anti-Doping Code, the FIM is unable to provide any additional information at this time.
The FIM has also confirmed that Ward’s place at the Gorzow FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland on Saturday, August 30 will be taken by first reserve, rider No.19, Michael Jepsen Jensen from Denmark.