2017 Vuelta a EspanaAug 17, 2017 by Joe Battaglia
Ex-Olympic Champion Samuel Sanchez Fails Doping Test Before Vuelta
Ex-Olympic Champion Samuel Sanchez Fails Doping Test Before Vuelta
Spain's former Olympic road race champion, Samuel Sanchez, has failed an out-of-competition doping test ahead of the Vuelta a Espana.
PARIS (AFP) - Spain's former Olympic road race champion, Samuel Sanchez, has failed an out-of-competition doping test, cycling's governing body the UCI announced on Thursday.
The body said Sanchez had tested positive for growth hormone releasing peptides in a sample taken on August 9 by the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation.
"The rider has the right to request and attend the analysis of the B sample. In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the affair," the UCI statement said.
Now 39, Sanchez is best known for winning gold in the road race at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Twice a podium finisher in the Vuelta, the BMC team rider had been due to take part in this year's race, which begins in the French city of Nimes on Saturday.
A BMC team statement said: "All riders and staff are held to the highest ethical standard and BMC Racing Team is extremely disappointed to share this news on the eve of the Vuelta a Espana."
They have replaced Sanchez with Belgium's Loic Vliegen for the three-week race.
Follow us on Instagram: @flocycling
Follow us on Facebook: @FloCyclingtv
Follow us on YouTube
The body said Sanchez had tested positive for growth hormone releasing peptides in a sample taken on August 9 by the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation.
"The rider has the right to request and attend the analysis of the B sample. In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the affair," the UCI statement said.
Now 39, Sanchez is best known for winning gold in the road race at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Twice a podium finisher in the Vuelta, the BMC team rider had been due to take part in this year's race, which begins in the French city of Nimes on Saturday.
A BMC team statement said: "All riders and staff are held to the highest ethical standard and BMC Racing Team is extremely disappointed to share this news on the eve of the Vuelta a Espana."
They have replaced Sanchez with Belgium's Loic Vliegen for the three-week race.
Join The Conversation On Social
Follow us on Twitter: @FloCyclingtvFollow us on Instagram: @flocycling
Follow us on Facebook: @FloCyclingtv
Follow us on YouTube
FloCycling's hottest content, delivered to your inbox
Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloCycling mailing list today.Related Content
- Replay: 2024 Tour de Romandie - Stage 1
Apr 24, 2024
- Replay: 2024 Tour of Turkey - Stage 4
Apr 24, 2024
- Tour Of Turkey 2024 Stage 4 Highlights: Tobias Lund Andresen Rockets To Win
Apr 24, 2024
- How To Watch Giro D'Italia 2024 As Cyclists Compete In Italy's Grand Tour
Apr 24, 2024
- Wout Van Aert Back In Training After Crash
Apr 23, 2024
- Replay: 2024 Tour de Romandie - Prologue
Apr 23, 2024
- Tour de Romandie 2024 Prologue Highlights: Surprise Maikel Zijlaard Result
Apr 23, 2024
- Replay: 2024 Tour of Turkey - Stage 3
Apr 23, 2024
- Giro d'Italia 2024 Preview: Can Anyone Stop Tadej Pogacar?
Apr 23, 2024