The Colombian Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) was “disqualified from the Tour de France 2022”, of which he was ranked sixth, for medical infraction, announced, Wednesday August 17, the International Cycling Union (UCI). The runner “was penalized for a violation of the ban on the use of tramadol in competition”explains the UCI in a press release.
However, the organization specifies that it is not a question of “anti-doping rule violations” and that the ban on the use of tramadol responds to a desire “to preserve the health and safety of runners given the side effects of this substance”. This ban dates from 1er March 2019.
The UCI specifies that the two samples of dried blood provided by the rider were analyzed on the 8 (7e stage) and July 13 (11e stage) during the Big loop.
Quintana can still take part in competitions
“As it is a first offence”Nairo Quintana, 32 years old, “is not declared ineligible and can therefore take part in competitions”underlines the UCI, which specifies that the rider can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within ten days.
The Arkéa-Samsic team, which announced Tuesday the extension of the Colombian until 2025, is counting on its leader to lead the team during the Tour of Spain which starts on Friday.
This disqualification allows Romain Bardet (DSM) to move up to sixth in the general classification of the Tour de France 2022 and Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ) to join the Top 10.
At the start of the last stage of the Tour, Nairo Quintana said he was not in his best shape. “The last few days I haven’t been very well, a little difficult to breathe, but the team’s work in general has been very good”he had said.