Mamabolo faces nervous three-month wait
It will take up to three months for the results of Ludwick Mamabolo's B-sample test, the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAID) said on Thursday.
"Once the athlete has given a verbal indication that he would like to have his B-sample tested, it is two weeks before the process can begin," said CEO Khalid Galant.
"We're looking at around two to three months before we know the results."
Mamabolo won the Comrades marathon on June 3 and tested positive for the banned substance methylhexaneamine, and has requested for his B-sample to be tested to clear his name.
Mamabolo is yet to be stripped of his title pending the investigation, but is provisionally suspended from all sport until he is cleared.
"He [Marambolo] has a provisional suspension. Up until the hearing he can't participate in any sport. The same was the case with Lance Armstrong."
Seven-time Tour de France winner Armstrong, was training for a triathlon in France on June 24, but began a suspension when allegations of doping were announced on June 13.
Mamabolo completed the ultra-marathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in 2010 where he finished second, and in 2011 ended seventh.
Comrades marathon media officer Delaine Cools confirmed that Mamabolo was tested in his two previous races.
"All the top athletes are tested and he would have definitely been tested in 2010 and 2011," said Cools.
Meanwhile, Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) general manager Gary Boshoff said he was satisfied with the testing process.
"The drug testing protocol employed by Drug Free Sport SA ensures that the race remains a fair contest between the best Ultra-distance Athletes in the world," said Boshoff.
"The CMA has full confidence in the protocol employed by Drug Free Sport SA and will continue to use their proven expertise to protect the race against cheaters," he said.
