The Colombian climber denied the use of this substance, a few hours after his disqualification on Wednesday.
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Thunderbolt, a posteriori, on the Tour de France 2022. The Colombian climber Nairo Quintana, sixth in the last Grande Boucle, was disqualified on Wednesday August 17 by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
The organization explained that the leader of the Arkéa-Samsic team, who has just extended with the French formation for three seasons, used tramadol. The substance, banned but not considered a doping product by the UCI, was found during two checks carried out on July 8 and 13 during the race, as were two of its main metabolites.
This disqualification allows the Frenchman Romain Bardet to climb to 6th place in the final general classification. His compatriot Valentin Madouas moved up from 11th to 10th position.
UCI statement regarding Nairo Quintana Rojas https://t.co/XI0QLJ35XR pic.twitter.com/7C5PmlAnt5
—UCI_media (@UCI_media) August 17, 2022
Reacting to the UCI’s announcement, Quintana denied using this substance in a press release. “With my team of lawyers, we are studying all the options to ensure my defense”added the Colombian.
Since this is his first breach of UCI medical regulations, the 32-year-old rider can continue to compete in other events. He has thus confirmed his participation in the Vuelta, which will start on Friday.