Just
hours after the UCI announced traces of powerful painkiller Tramadol were found
in blood samples taken from Nairo Quintana, the Colombian rider has denied ever
using the drug.
The Arkéa-Samsic rider has been disqualified from the Tour de France – meaning he loses his results, including 6th overall – after the UCI said Tramadol was found in blood samples taken from him after two stages of the race.
The UCI said the samples containing "the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites" were returned by Quintana on stages 7 and 11 of the Tour - to La Planche des Belles Filles and Col de Granon respectively.
However, while the use of Tramadol in competition
has been banned since 2019, its use is against the UCI’s medical regulations rather
than a doping infringement. It means while the Colombian is retrospectively disqualified
from the Tour he does not face a ban from competition.
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Indeed, he had planned to ride La Vuelta and
plans to continue with those plans, saying he was surprised by the UCI’s
statement today and had no knowledge of ever using Tramadol.
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“Today
I have learned with surprise of the UCI’s announcement of an infraction for the
use of tramadol,” he said in a statement issued via his social media accounts.
“I
am totally unaware of the use of this substance, and I deny having used it in
my career. With my team of lawyers, we are exhausting all the processes for my
defence.
“I also want to confirm that I will stay at the Vuelta, get on
my bike and give the best of my ability for my team, for my country and for my
supporters.”
Quintana's team also issued a statement on the UCI announcement today and while it did not refer to the rider's participation in the Vuelta, it is understood there are no plans to take him out of that race.
"The Arkéa-Samsic team took note of the notification from the UCI and received by Nairo Quintana informing him of the presence of Tramadol in two samples of dried blood collected during the last Tour de France," the team said.
"Since March 1, 2019, the UCI Medical Regulations have provided for the prohibition of Tramadol in competition for medical reasons. Moreover, this violation of the UCI medical regulations does not lead to a suspension for the rider. The Arkéa-Samsic team will not provide any further comment."
