Sport Ireland and Motorcycling Ireland jointly announce that James Mackrel has committed an anti-doping rule violation

Sport Ireland and Motorcycling Ireland jointly announced today that James Mackrel has committed an anti-doping rule violation.

On August 5th, 2025, Sport Ireland issued a decision which found that Mr Mackrel had committed anti-doping violations arising out of testing on August 18th, 2024.

A three-month ban was imposed, with the period of ineligibility commencing on August 5th, 2025, and expiring at midnight on November 5th, 2025. A copy of the decision was issued to the Athlete and was published by Sport Ireland.

Sport Ireland advised Mr Mackrel that he should not participate in organised sport in any capacity during the original ban, including but not limited to motor cycling.

On August 16th, 2025, while still subject to the original ban, Mr Mackrel competed in a Motorcross event at Saul, Downpatrick, Co Down.

Sport Ireland investigated the matter and received confirmation from the Motorcycle Racing Association (MRA) that Mr Mackrel had competed in the event.

On September 12th, 2025, Sport Ireland wrote to Mr Mackrel and gave him 14 days to explain his alleged violation of the original ban. Mr Mackrel did not respond.

On October 13th, 2025, Sport Ireland formally charged Mr Mackrel with the following ADRV: 2.1.1 Article 10.10.1 – “Prohibition Against Participation During Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension”.

Mr Mackrel’s results from his participation in the motorcross event on August 16th are disqualified.

A new ban of three months has been imposed, which has been added to the end of the original three-month ban. In effect, this means a total of a six-month ban which expires at midnight on February 5th, 2026.

He did not respond to the charge letter and was deemed to have accepted the ban and waived his right to a hearing.

The reasoned decision is available at Sanctions | Sport Ireland.

This announcement is made pursuant to Article 15 (Public Disclosure) of the Rules.