In a press release, the International Cycling Union announced on Wednesday the disqualification of Nairo Quintana, rider of the Arkéa-Samsic team, from the Tour de France 2022. ‘prohibition of the use of tramadol, as indicated in the medical rules of the UCI, with the aim of protecting the safety and health of riders in view of the side effects of this substance,’ writes the international body.
“The analyzes of two dry blood samples provided by the rider on July 8 and 13, during the Tour de France 2022, revealed the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites”, adds the UCI. The Colombian is therefore excluded from the Grande Boucle 2022, and loses his 6th place in the general classification. He has 10 days left to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Tramadol banned since 2019
First placed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s watch list in 2012, tramadol has been banned by the UCI since March 2019. A powerful painkiller, it is considered to be able to help athletes improve their performance and overcome physical pain through its effects.
The side effects of the drug, mentioned by the international body, can range from headache to fatigue, but above all cause loss of attention or elongated reaction times, dangerous for cyclists. The product is also known to pose risks of addiction.
Ironically, the UCI press release comes the day after the announcement of Nairo Quintana’s contract extension with Arkéa-Samsic. The Colombian rider has been part of the French team since the 2020 season.
