Statement: UKAD response to Elizabeth Banks case outcome before the Court of Arbitration for Sport
Date: Tuesday 12 August 2025, 7:20
Following Elizabeth Banks publicly confirming the outcome of her case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a UKAD spokesperson said:
“On 26 April 2024, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) issued a decision regarding professional cyclist Elizabeth (‘Lizzy’) Banks, which stated that Ms Banks bore No Fault or Negligence for Article 2.1 (Presence) and Article 2.2 (Use) Anti-Doping Rule Violations.
“On 4 June 2024, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) filed an appeal in respect of UKAD’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“UKAD can confirm that it has received the decision from the CAS, which states that WADA’s appeal has been upheld. Subsequently, a two-year period of Ineligibility has been imposed on Ms Banks, which is deemed to have commenced on 11 May 2023, and deemed to have ended on 10 May 2025.
“This case demonstrates the high bar set by the application of the ‘strict liability’ principle and the challenges in identifying and establishing unintentional violations. UKAD welcomes the work being done among the international anti-doping community to explore these issues. UKAD is engaging with a number of ongoing initiatives that include the WADA Taskforce on Unintentional Doping, chaired by Professor Sue Backhouse, and the WADA Working Group on Contaminations. These evidence-based working groups demonstrate an anti-doping community seeking ways to better the system for all Athletes moving forwards.”
Date: Friday 7 June 2024, 16:25
“UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) can today confirm that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) filed an appeal on 4 June 2024 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in respect of a decision issued by UKAD. The appeal concerns UKAD’s decision of 26 April 2024 that professional cyclist, Elizabeth Banks bore No Fault or Negligence for presence and use Anti-Doping Rule Violations, contrary to Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
Both UKAD and Ms Banks are named as separate Respondents to WADA’s appeal and will be required to consider and respond to WADA’s appeal as separate parties. The appeal process will now be followed in accordance with the applicable rules.”
Date: Tuesday 21 May 2024, 10:10
"Following concerning reports in the media and comments made by professional cyclist Ms Elizabeth Banks on Tuesday 21 May 2024, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirms that Ms Banks has committed Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) and that the applicable period of Ineligibility has been eliminated on the basis that Ms Banks bore No Fault or Negligence for those ADRVs. UKAD also notes Ms Banks’ comments with concern and will be looking into what it can do to better support Athletes going through Anti-Doping Rule Violation proceedings.
Ordinarily, UKAD would not comment on the facts of a specific case until the expiry of all appeal windows, at which time the Decision would be published in full in accordance with the reporting requirements of the UK Anti-Doping Rules."