“I took the easy way out”: former cyclist Marion Sicot admits to having doped from 2016 to 2019

The former French cyclist Marion Sicottested positive for EPO in 2019 and suspended for four years, recognized Wednesday doping incidents from 2016 to 2019during his trial in Montargis, for possession and importation of doping products.

“I wasn't doing well, I lacked a lot of self-confidence […] To perform at a high level, I took the easy route,” declared Marion Sicot, 32, before the criminal court of Montargis (Loiret).

A positive test in 2019

Until now, the sportswoman had only publicly spoken about an EPO injection, after a positive test in June 2019 following the French Road Championships.

She had been suspended two years for this catcha sentence increased to four years by the Council of State after a procedure lasting almost three years.

At the helm, this time she recognized all the doping facts revealed by the investigations carried out following her test, in particular different doping protocols with erythropoietin, but also with clenbuterol – product intended for horses –, between 2016 and 2019.

“I didn’t accept the person I was,” she explained.

The former cyclist, now licensed at the triathlon club of Châteauroux (Indre) and self-employed in coaching sportyhas repeatedly insisted that doping is “an integral part of this sport”.

But for her, sometimes moved to tears in the dock, bike tattooed on her right arm, “there was no professional benefit”.

Buying doping products online

A one-year suspended prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 euros were requested against him.

To dope, Ms. Sicot obtained her supplies via the internet, or from a relative, for payments of between 500 and 1,200 euros.

An acquaintance, who allegedly helped her administer the products, is also called to appear, as is a doctor, suspected of having illegally issued prescriptions for the purpose of prescribing EPO. The latter disputed the facts.

Sentences of 18 months suspended imprisonment, accompanied by a fine of 10,000 euros, and 18 months suspended imprisonment accompanied by a fine of 20,000 euros, with a ban on carrying out the activity of doctor for two years were respectively requested against the two other defendants.

The judgment will be rendered on January 22, 2025.