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Doping Not Dead in American Competitive Cycling, but Another Athlete’s Career Is

jackson huntley nash doping ban usada(Photo/Kent Weakley via Shutterstock)
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Wednesday, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) banned Jackson ‘Huntley’ Nash for life based on seven separate rule violations.

Jackson “Huntley” Nash was once a Cat 1 (highest category) contender on United States’ cycling circuits. Now he’ll never ride professionally again after a USADA decision.

On August 10, the substance governing body posted the results of an investigation that showed Nash violated multiple anti-doping rules, for which he would receive a lifetime ban.

The USADA said it investigated the Marietta, Ga., cyclist after it received information from a whistleblower in December 2021.

Testimony and evidence ultimately showed Nash committed seven infractions. Investigators found he used the banned substances testosterone, clenbuterol, oxandrolone, and anastrozole himself. The USADA also found he trafficked clenbuterol and oxandrolone, and that Nash “administrated or attempted to administrate” other athletes’ use of human growth hormone.

Finally, officials found he attempted to tamper with the investigation.

Nash Falls From Grace, Partner May Join Him

Nash has not raced professionally since August 2021. His results that year had proven unimpressive and ultimately marked the end of a career that was still competitive as of 2019. His lifetime ban is retroactive to June 30 this year.

CyclingNews reported he’d also been in a problematic relationship with fellow pro cyclist Olivia Ray, which escalated to a family violence hearing in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Ga. The New Zealand cyclist could also be implicated in the findings against Nash.

Ray currently awaits the outcome of the USADA’s investigation against her, which could yield up to a 4-year ban, Cycling New Zealand told CyclingNews. Her Human Powered Health team released her in March following alleged code of conduct violations.

“This is yet another case that demonstrates the power of investigations in the shared fight to protect sport and athletes’ rights,” USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart said in a statement. “As always, we will thoroughly investigate and act on evidence of doping violations and greatly appreciate the assistance of those who come forward on behalf of clean sport.”

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