Banned MGP rider 'to get racing licence reinstated'

Alex Sinclair has been fighting to prove innocence since exclusion

A motorcycle racer banned from this year's Manx Grand Prix has been told he could have his racing licence reinstated.

Alex Sinclair has been trying to prove his innocence since he was excluded from the meeting in August after returning a positive test for a 'recreational drug.'

Since then, Auto Cycle Union Ltd. (ACU) says it's 'acknowledged' concerns raised by the rider over the testing process and are 'more than willing' to restore his racing credentials.

Meanwhile, the rider hopes the situation he's found himself can help pave the way for changes 'across the board' going forward:

During the 2024 Manx Grand Prix - the race organisers ACU Events Ltd. (ACUE) issued a statement on 20 August stating Mr Sinclair had been excluded from the remainder of the meeting following 'a positive test for a recreational drug.'

This was then corrected several hours later to say the rider had in fact returned a 'non-negative' test result.

A further update followed on 28 August with the organisation saying results from a confirmatory analysis at a laboratory were 'consistent with the misuse of a controlled drug.'

Mr Sinclair has since taken personal measures - including an independent hair test which Sinclair says returned a negative result - contesting the decision whilst also raising concerns with how the initial process was carried out.

A letter seen by Manx Radio to Mr Sinclair's team from the ACU noted those concerns were raised following a review of the testing process the rider went through.

Furthermore, it adds a different form of testing will be used moving forward, that the organisation is 'more than willing' to reinstate the rider's licence and is 'happy to bear the cost of the test Mr Sinclair took to remedy the issue.'

The letter reads as follows:

"I am writing to you regarding the recent situation surrounding Mr. Sinclair’s licence suspension and the drug testing that took place. I would like to take this opportunity to explain why such testing is essential, the reasons for suspending licences, and to reassure you that Mr. Sinclair was not singled out in any way. Additionally, I would like to address the steps we are taking moving forward in light of concerns surrounding the testing.

"As part of the ACU’s commitment to ensuring a safe and fair environment for all competitors, drug testing is a necessary and integral part of our regulations. The ACU must adhere to the highest standards of safety, and part of this responsibility includes ensuring that no competitor gains an unfair advantage through prohibited substances. When a rider’s results fall outside the accepted parameters, the suspension of a licence is required to protect the integrity of the sport and the safety of all involved.

"In the case of Mr. Sinclair, the decision to suspend his licence was made following the results of his drug test. I would like to clarify that Mr. Sinclair was not singled out. We have clear, established procedures in place that apply to all competitors equally. Our goal is always to maintain a fair and competitive environment where every rider’s well-being is prioritised.

"Following a review of the test process used for Mr. Sinclair’s testing, we acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the procedures in place at that venue. As a result, we have decided to use a different form of testing moving forward to ensure that the testing process is as reliable and accurate as possible. In circumstances where test results are contested, or where further investigation is deemed necessary, we would typically conduct additional tests. However, Mr. Sinclair did not raise any concerns with us about the testing procedure at the time, and had he done so, we would have taken the appropriate action to investigate further.

"In the interest of fairness and resolution, we are more than willing to reinstate Mr. Sinclair’s licence. We also understand the inconvenience this situation may have caused, and as such, we are happy to bear the cost of the test Mr. Sinclair took to remedy this issue.

"We remain committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of the sport, and we will continue to work closely with our sponsors and competitors to maintain the highest standards of fairness and transparency."

Manx Radio has also contacted ACU directly regarding Mr Sinclair's account of events and the latest update with regards to his licence status and is awaiting a response.