The UCI on Wednesday stripped Quintana of sixth place from the “Old Lady” after two positive tests for tramadol, which he was guilty of against her medical prescriptions. The UCI banned this painkiller in 2019 due to its side effects of drowsiness, dizziness and loss of concentration. However, the use of tramadol is not considered to be doping, so Quintana was not banned and could start at the Vuelta, which he won in 2016.
Although in the first reaction Quintana stated that he still planned to participate in the Vuelta, he eventually changed his decision. “I announce that I will not start at the Vuelta in order to present my defense before the CAS. I will return to racing at the end of the season,” he said on social networks.
After the UCI announced his disqualification from the Tour on Wednesday, Quintana denied taking tramadol. “Today I learned the surprising news from the UCI about a violation of the rules by taking tramadol. I am completely unaware of the use of this substance and deny that I have ever taken it during my career,” the 2014 Giro d’Italia and 2016 Vuelta winner said on Twitter.
This year’s Vuelta starts on Friday in Utrecht.
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