The Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana (Arkea Samsic) has been disqualified from the Tour de France by the International Cycling Union (UCI) for "violating the prohibition of the use of tramadol" in competition, an analgesic prohibited since March 1, 2019 to protect the health and safety of cyclists from the side effects of this substance.
Analysis of two blood samples provided by the cyclist on July 8 and 13 during the 2022 Tour de France revealed the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites. According to the medical rules of the UCI, the rider is disqualified from the Tour de France 2022. This decision may be appealed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the next 10 days.
During the 2022 Tour de France, a total of 120 blood samples were collected as part of the tramadol program. Violations of the ban on the use of tramadol in competition are violations under the UCI medical regulations, but do not constitute anti-doping rule violations.
Being a first offense, Nairo Alexander Quintana is not declared ineligible and therefore can participate in the competitions. Since March 1, 2019, the UCI has prohibited the use of tramadol in competition in all disciplines and categories to protect the health and safety of cyclists from the side effects of this substance.
Samples are collected by the International Testing Agency (ITA) using the Dried Blood Spots (DBS) reference method. Developed by Swiss company DBS Systems, sampling kits are used to perform this minimally invasive test, which involves drawing a small amount of blood from the cyclist's fingertip.
The analysis of the samples is carried out independently at the Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology of the University of Geneva, using a peer-review method to determine the presence or absence and the amount of tramadol and its two main metabolites.
The results are then sent to the Center for Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences (RED) at the University of Lausanne for a final independent review. The results are finally sent to the UCI medical director, who performs results management in accordance with the UCI Medical Rules.
