Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana, from Arkéa Samsic, was disqualified from the 2022 Tour de France for violating medical regulations regarding the use of the substance tramadol in competition, the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced on Wednesday.
Nairo Quintana, who finished sixth in the Tour, was sanctioned with disqualification for violating the UCI medical regulations, which prohibit the use of tramadol in competition with the aim of protect the safety and health of cyclists in light of the side effects of this substance.
The Colombian cyclist can appeal the UCI’s decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the next 10 days.
According to the UCI statement, the analyzes of two dried blood samples provided by the Colombian rider on July 8 and 13 during the 2022 Tour “revealed the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites”.
Violations of the ban on the use of tramadol in competition are violations under the UCI Medical Regulations and do not constitute anti-doping rule violations. Being a first offense, Nairo Quintana is not declared disabled and, therefore, can participate in the competitions.
Nairo Quintana, 32, winner of the Volta à Espanha, in 2016, and the Volta à Italia, in 2014, as well as twice second in the Tour, in 2015 and 2013, is part of the 2022 Spanish classic squad, which will start on Friday.
Source: Observadora
