Spanish riders suspended in blood doping rap

Two Spanish riders have been suspended by the UCI after blood doping tests proved positive.

Inigo Landaluze Intxaurraga (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Ricardo Serrano Gonzalez (Fuji-Servetto) were told of the decision after the World Anti-Doping Agency tested blood samples in Lausanne and Paris.

Samples of the banned stimulant CERA was apparently found in the blood of both riders. An out-of-competition test was performed on Landaluze Intxaurraga on June 16, while Serrano Gonzalez was tested during the Tour of Switzerland. A further sample of SERA was detected in his blood when it was tested before the Giro d’Italia in May.

In a statement, the UCI said: “Although no B sample was collected for this test, the UCI believes that the report, which confirms the presence of CERA, adds evidence to the assertion that Mr Serrano has committed an anti-doping rule violation. The results of these analyses will be added to the evidence already provided to the Spanish Cycling Federation relating to the abnormal blood profile of Mr Serrano.”

The provisional suspension for these riders will remain in force until a hearing panel convened by the Spanish Cycling Federation determines whether they have committed an anti-doping rule violation under Article 21 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules.