Nairo Quintana, the Colombian rider of the Breton team Arkéa Samsic, was disqualified from the last Tour de France by the International Cycling Union on Wednesday August 17. He had finished sixth in the big loop. He is accused of having taken Tramadol in competition, a powerful painkiller.
Two dried blood samples, taken from the runner on the evening of the stages of the Planche des Belles Filles then the Col du Granon, were analyzed. The results therefore showed that the Colombian runner had taken Tramadol. This drug is not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. It is, however, in competition since 2019 by the International Cycling Union. The UCI justifies this ban by the need to “preserving the health and safety of runners given the side effects of this substance”.
Participation in the Vuelta
Among the main side effects, there is loss of alertness, dizziness, drowsiness – therefore dangerous when driving at 60 km/h in a peloton – but also a strong habituation.
Nairo Quintana is therefore disqualified but as it is his first offence, the Colombian rider is not suspended from competitions. He will therefore be able to participate in the next Vuelta, the Tour of Spain, which begins on Friday. He will be the leader of the Breton team with which he has just extended until 2025. This disqualification allows Brestois Valentin Madouas to recover tenth place in the general classification. Nairo Quintana has 10 days to appeal the UCI’s decision to CAS, the Court of Arbitration for Sport.