Anthony West fails anti-doping test
A prohibited stimulant, Methylhexaneamine, was found during the analysis.
According to Wikipedia, Methylhexaneamine was originally intended as a nasal decongestant and "has been marketed as a dietary supplement in combination with caffeine and other ingredients, under trade names such as Geranamine and Floradrene, to be used as an over-the-counter thermogenic or general-purpose stimulant."
While West has also been disqualified from his seventh place finish at the French Grand Prix, his runner-up results at the last two rounds do not appear to be in jeopardy.
"Following FIM anti-doping controls carried out during the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix meeting held in Le Mans (FRA), one of the samples was found not in accordance with the FIM Anti-Doping Code," said the FIM statement.
"The sample of Australian Moto2 class rider Anthony West contained Methylhexaneamine, a substance included in 'S.6b Specified Stimulants' prohibited in competition, and thereby infringed Art 2.1 of the 2012 FIM Anti-Doping Code.
"Following the hearing of the rider, the CDI decided to disqualify Anthony West from the French round of the 2012 FIM Moto2 World Championship, held on 20 May in Le Mans.
"In addition, the CDI imposes on the rider a sanction of one month's period of ineligibility to compete in any meeting authorised or organised by the FIM or any FIM-affiliated federation or body or in any competitions authorised or organised by any international or national level meeting organisation, from 30 October 2012.
"An appeal may be lodged with the International Tribunal of Appeal (TIA) within 5 day as from the notification of the decision."
West's case revives memories of Noriyuki Haga's positive test for ephedrine early in the 2000 World Superbike season, caused by a dietary supplement Haga had used over the winter.
