CAS dismisses Harry Wiltshire suspension appeal
Appeal by Brit over Javiergate dismissed by Court of Arbitration for Sport
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by Harry Wiltshire against the International Triathlon Union (ITU) regarding a 6-month suspension imposed on him due to unsportsmanlike conduct to Javier Gomez at the European Championships on 25 June 2011. For the original story see here.
Following the elite men’s race, Wiltshire’s unsafe and unsportsmanlike conduct during 2011 Pontevedra European Championships was investigated. The ITU Executive Board-with the exception of members from the British and Spanish federations-voted to impose a six-month suspension against Wiltshire based on violations to the ITU Competition Rules (2.1 a.) (i), 3.3 a.) (i), Appendix L 6. and Appendix L 7).
Wiltshire filed an appeal against ITU in CAS on 10 August 2011 to challenge the decision of the Executive Board. The CAS panel reviewed video evidence and heard testimonies from Wiltshire as well as from on-course technical officials and the race referee. The panel concluded that Wiltshire did in fact violate ITU Competition Rules with reference to “repeated unsportsmanlike conduct” and that the Executive Board had the right to sanction Wiltshire with a suspension.
Furthermore, the panel decided the 6-month suspension was not evidently and grossly disproportionate as Wiltshire had contended. As a result, Wiltshire’s appeal was dismissed and CAS required the appellant to pay ITU the amount of 2,500 Swiss Francs as compensation for this legal process.
ITU is strongly committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport by ensuring athletes are competing within the competition rules and with a high degree of sportsmanship.
Click here to download the full ITU Competition Rules (PDF)
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
