The UCI sanctions the Colombian cyclist, who finished sixth in the gala round
MADRID, 17 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has sanctioned the Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana (Arkéa Samsic) for testing positive for tramadol during the last Tour de France, in which he finished sixth and from which he has been disqualified by the international entity.
“Quintana has been sanctioned for violating the prohibition on the use of tramadol in competition established in the UCI Medical Regulations. Analysis of two dried blood samples provided by the cyclist on July 8 and 13 during the 2022 Tour de France revealed the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites,” the UCI announced.
According to the Medical Rules, the Colombian rider is “disqualified” from the 2022 Tour de France, in which he finished sixth at 16:33 behind the winner Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) with three ‘Top 10’ in two stages, including a second place in stage 11 with a finish at the Col du Granon.
This decision may be appealed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the next 10 days. During the 2022 Tour de France, the UCI collected a total of 120 dried blood samples as part of the tramadol programme.
“Violations of the ban on the use of tramadol in competition are violations under the UCI Medical Regulations. They do not constitute anti-doping rule violations,” explained the International Cycling Union.
However, since it was a first offense, Nairo Quintana “is not declared ineligible” and therefore can participate in the competitions. His next participation was going to be La Vuelta a España as leader of the French Arkéa Samsic, unless he is separated by his team.
Since March 1, 2019, the UCI has prohibited the use of tramadol in competition in all disciplines and categories to protect the health and safety of cyclists from the side effects of this substance.
Samples are collected by the International Testing Agency (ITA) using the Dried Blood Spots (DBS) reference method. Developed by Swiss company DBS Systems, sampling kits are used to perform this minimally invasive test, which involves drawing a small amount of blood from the cyclist’s fingertip.
