GB bobsleigh's Gulliver provisionally suspended

Great Britain bobsleigh athlete Arran Gulliver has been provisionally suspended for failing a doping test.

The International Testing Agency (ITA) said the 27-year-old returned an "adverse analytical finding" for the banned substance ostarine during an out-of-competition test on 2 March.

According to the ITA, ostarine can enhance performance by "promoting lean muscle growth and improving strength" and is described by UK Anti-Doping as having similar effects to testosterone.

Gulliver, who could face a ban of up to four years, can request that his B sample is tested.

"If the B sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A sample, the case will be considered as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation," said the ITA in a statement.

"If the B sample analysis is not requested, the case will also go ahead as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athlete will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result."

Gulliver is a two-time World Championship medallist in the four-man bobsleigh and has won 12 World Cup medals in the British sled.

The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) said: "We have today been informed by the International Testing Agency (ITA) that bobsleigh athlete Arran Gulliver has returned an adverse analytical finding for SARMS enobosarm (ostarine) and that a mandatory provisional suspension has been imposed as a result.

"The BBSA is committed to the eradication of doping from sport and we fully support the ITA and other anti-doping organisations in ensuring the integrity of our sport is protected.

"As this case is currently ongoing, the BBSA will not be making any further comment at this stage."