Nairo Quintana finished sixth in the general classification in last month’s Tour but analysis of two dried blood samples revealed the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites.
Colombian rider Nairo Quintana has been disqualified from the Tour de France after infringing an in-competition ban on using the drug tramadol, the world cycling governing body (UCI) said on Wednesday.
Team Arkea-Samsic rider Quintana finished sixth in the general classification in last month’s Tour but analysis of two dried blood samples revealed the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites.
Presence of opiate pain killer Tramadol in two blood samples taken from Nairo Quintana during the Tour de France. As a result he's disqualified (finished 6th overall) but can appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport https://t.co/VovKKfjH5V
— the Inner Ring (@inrng) August 17, 2022
“In accordance with the UCI Medical Rules, the rider is disqualified from the 2022 Tour de France. This decision may be appealed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the next 10 days,” the UCI said in a statement.
“As this is a first offence, Nairo Alexander Quintana Rojas is not declared ineligible and can therefore participate in competitions.”
Nairo Quintana disqualified from 2022 Tour de France after testing positive for tramadol https://t.co/kjR1dfCHIw
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) August 17, 2022
Using tramadol is an offence only under the UCI Medical Rules due to the side-effects of the substance which include dizziness, drowsiness and loss of attention. They do not constitute Anti-Doping Rule Violations.
Reuters