Using Illegal Drugs, A Colombian Racer Is Not Banned From Competing Because He Only Violated Once

Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana. (Photo: Instagram @nairoquincoficial)

JAKARTA - The International Cycling Federation (UCI) has disqualified Colombia's Nairo Quintana from the 2022 Tour de France. The Arkea-Samsic racer was proven to have used a banned drug in competition, tramadol.

Tramadol is a type of pain reliever that is included in the list of prohibited use. The UCI ban on tramadol in competitions was issued in 2019.

However, the use of this drug does not violate anti-doping regulations, AFP reported as reported by Antara.

"UCI announces that Colombian driver Nairo Alexander Quintana Rojas has been sanctioned for violating the use of tramadol in competition as stipulated in the UCI Medical Rules aimed at protecting the safety and health of drivers, given the side effects of this substance," UCI said in a statement.

"In accordance with the UCI Medical Rules, the driver is disqualified from the 2022 Tour de France. An appeal may be submitted to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the next 10 days," the statement continued.

However, no competition ban sanctions were imposed. UCI reveals why.

"Given that this was his first offense, Nairo Alexander Quintana Rojas was not banned from competing and can still participate in other competitions," said UCI.

UCI Racing Director Javier Guillen said Quintana could start racing. However, it must comply with the rules.

"But we can respect whatever the team's decision. He has been removed from the Tour de France, but can still follow the Vuelta," he said as reported by AFP.

The 32-year-old is scheduled to take part in the Vuelta a Espana which starts Friday, August 19, in the Netherlands.