Irish triathlete Ben Shaw retires after being handed four year doping suspension

Irish triathlete Ben Shaw has been slapped with a four year ban for testing positive in July for a prohibited substance and has announced his retirement from the sport.

Australia-born Shaw did not seek a hearing to dispute the finding and has failed to provide an explanation to Triathlon Ireland and Sport Ireland. The test took place in Australia while the 28-year-old was out of competition.

Ranked 327th in the ITU world rankings, Shaw tested positive for Ligandrol, a selective androgen receptor modulator.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the SPAR European Cross Country Championships that were due to be held in Dublin next month will take place in Abbotstown on December 12, 2021.

Next year's event was due to take place in Italy but agreement has been reached for the prestigious competition to take place in Dublin in just over a year's time.

Ireland triathlete Benjamin Shaw (Inpho)

European Athletics Interim President Dobromir Karamarinov said: "Unfortunately, Dublin was unable to host this year’s SPAR European Cross Country Championships this year but we would like to thank Torino-La Mandria for their cooperation to allow Dublin to stage next year’s event.

“Ireland and Italy both have a rich tradition in staging not only continental but also global cross country events so we are naturally delighted to reallocate the next two editions of the championships to two proud and passionate cross country running nations.”

Liam Hennessy, Chairman of the Fingal-Dublin 2021 Local Organising Committee said: “We are delighted to be hosting the SPAR European Cross Country Championships for 2021 and we would like to thank European Athletics and FIDAL for their support in facilitating the event returning to Ireland next year.

"Covid-19 had resulted in the championships which were set to take place in Fingal, Dublin next month being cancelled, but we can now look forward to working with Fingal County Council, Sport Ireland and RTÉ to ensure the 2021 SPAR European Cross Country Championships scheduled for December 12th is a memorable occasion for both athletes and spectators".