1. Although darbepoetin is not specifically listed as a prohibited substance in the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code (“OMAC”), it is an analogue or mimetic of erythropoietin which is recombinant EPO in that it is an artificial substance which is not naturally produced by the human body unlike natural EPO. Therefore it is a prohibited substance. In accordance with the OMAC, its use is permitted only to treat insulin-dependent diabetes and even then, only if written notification has been given prior to the particular competition by an endocrinologist or the team physician. In the present case no written notification has been given.