Show jumping rider Bart Bles was immediately suspended on Monday after he was caught doping. He won the silver medal at the Dutch jumping championships in April and now has to come back.
Bles told the KNHS equestrian association website on Monday: “I was dragged into a party. It is unbelievably stupid and I regret it so much.” “I’m letting the whole team down with this, this should never have happened.”
The 41-year-old Bles tested positive at the Dutch championship in Deurne. It is not known which drugs are involved. The duration of the suspension should be determined by the disciplinary investigation.
Rider Babberich’s sponsor, EF Equestrian, said it will suspend Bles “in accordance with contractually agreed internal rules” and has a zero-tolerance policy for violations of internal rules. “Such a positive test is in no way in accordance with the sport and the contractually agreed internal rules,” said the sponsor.
Bles won silver at the Dutch National Championships behind national champion Willem Greve. Due to his punishment, this medal now goes to Sanne Thijssen. Bronze goes to Jur Vrieling.
From June 24 to July 3, Bles was supposed to be present at the prestigious CHIO in Aachen, but he can forget it. Jack Ansems can take his place at the international equestrian tournament in Germany.
Bart Bles at work at Jumping Amsterdam in 2020.
Source: NU
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