Earlier this evening, GEICO / Honda’s Christian Craig sent out a post on Instagram stating that he received an email from the FIM “stating that an adverse finding was discovered from Daytona, March 10, 2018”. The drug in question is Heptaminol and Craig stated that because it was a trace amount of the substance that he will be allowed to race until he gets more of a definitive answer from the FIM within the next 30 days. This is the first we have heard about this, but we will, of course, be following this and updating everyone when we know more.
We wish Christian luck in this ordeal and hope his experience with the FIM and WADA is better than those before him. The prior instances with other riders like James Stewart and Broc Tickle have been—for lack of a better way of saying it—a total shitshow, so hopefully, the leadership changes at the FIM prove to be a positive one and this can be handled quickly for the sake of Christian and his family.
Christian Craig’s statement from Instagram is posted below. You can follow Christian on Instagram here.
“I wanted to give an update on what’s been going on this year. On January 23rd, 2019 I received an email from the FIM stating that an adverse finding was discovered from Daytona, March 10, 2018. Most importantly, I NEVER have or would knowingly take a banned substance! The FIM has agreed that they do not believe I intentionally ingested the substance. Of course, that doesn’t take away from the fact it was there.
There are two levels of prohibited substances- one would immediately suspend a rider & the other would not. Because the substance I tested positive for was on the lesser of the two lists, I’ve been able to keep racing. From the start, there was a mutual agreement between all parties to keep this confidential until it was further resolved. But as people keep asking, “what’s wrong with you?”, I feel I need to update you guys.
My adverse finding was for a TRACE amount of Heptaminol, a drug I had never heard of till now. I have spent the last six months testing myself & everything I’ve ever used to find the source. With a lot of research, I am convinced that my positive test came from a contaminated supplement. I have learned many supplements include ingredients that are sourced from all around the world. Which makes it nearly impossible to guarantee non-contaminated ingredients, especially a year later.
This situation has taken a huge toll on me mentally and has made it nearly impossible to clear my mind to go racing this year. I pride myself on always being honest with my fans. Knowing I’m a Dad and role model to others, it kills me to even be in this position.
I cannot comment anymore and respectfully decline any interviews on this subject until it’s resolved. Which should be within the next 30 days or so.
I hope this provides a better understanding on why I haven’t been myself this year. It takes a huge weight off my shoulders being able to share this much for now. Thanks for your continued support! *This photo was taken a month before I received the initial FIM email. I chose to use this photo to show my fans if I had any intention to cheat the system, I would NOT pose & sign an anti-doping, FIM poster with my 4 year old son”
