A surprising story from the world of cycling today, as American Tyler Hamilton has tested positive for a banned substance for the second time, and has announced his retirement from the sport. VeloNews is reporting that the national road champion was using an herbal supplement to treat his clinically diagnosed depression, and the banned substance was found in that over the counter supplement.
The 38-year old Hamilton says that he was first diagnosed with depression back in 2003, and that other members of his family suffer with the same affliction. He had been using clinically prescribed drugs to treat the depression, but switch to herbal remedies, one of which contained DHEA, a banned steroid. The cyclist indicated that he knew he was taking a banned substance, but was desperate for relief.
Rather than deal with another suspension, his second for a banned substance, or face a lifetime ban, Hamilton has decided to retire from the sport so that he can deal with his health issues more directly. Personally, I wish him the best of luck in working on these issues. It's a shame his career has to end with this shadow over his head, but it is more important for him to get healthy at this point. Good luck Tyler!
Thanks to the Outside Blog for the heads up on this one.
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