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.

Team Hall - Great Britain's four-man bobsleigh crew - said they were "shocked and devastated" at the news of Gulliver's failed doping test.

"To be clear, our team has always and will always champion clean sport," Team Hall posted on Instagram on Tuesday.

"There is a process to be undertaken here and we'd appreciate everyone's patience as the relevant authorities get to the bottom of it. Until then our thoughts and support are with Arran and his family."

The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA) said: "We have today been informed by the International Testing Agency 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."