Katusha Team furious as Kolobnev's Sample B for dope-test turns out positive
It has confirmed that traces of hydrochlorothiazide have been found in the blood sample of Alexandr Kolobnev, which was taken yesterday, July 20. Hydrochlorothiazide is considered as a banned drug as it also used by atheltes to enhance performance in sports.
UCI, the cycling governing body, has verified the news as they statement read out, “The UCI communicates that the analysis of sample B of Alexandr Kolobnev’s urine carried out on Tuesday July 19 has confirmed the result of the adverse analytical finding
notified by the Anti-doping laboratory of Châtenay-Malabry following the analysis of the A sample. In accordance with the Anti-doping rules, the UCI will request the Russian Federation to open a disciplinary procedure against the rider.”
After the sample A, Team Katusha declared that the cyclist’s fate with the team will depend on the test-results of sample B. he will be fined five times his salary and will be dismissed if the next sample comes out positive.
Katusha have signed an agreement with all their cyclists that states that any team-member who gets positive test results for any substance banned by the officials will pay five times of his salary as a fine.
Katusha announced, “Since Kolobnev’s B sample came back positive; Team Katusha confirms the suspension of the rider.”
However, the final decision about the cyclist’s suspension will be made after the case has been reviewed by Russian federation and could potentially face a two-year ban.
Convicted doper of 2009 Giro‘d Italia, Danilo Di Luca, joined Katusha as he returns to the Italian race this year.
Kolobnev has won a silver medal in the World Championship Race and a bronze medal in 2008 Olympics and was the first rider who failed a doping test after the end of stage four of this year's Tour de France as it was revealed on the first rest day. The cyclist
said he had no idea of the substance hydrochlorothiazide as to where it came from and does not like to comment as he respects the organisers of the race.
He was at number 69 with 22 minutes and 15 seconds behind the race leader, Thomas Voeckler, after the 9th stage’s overall classification.
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