Michael Rogers has been cleared to race by the UCI after cycling’s governing body accepted the Australian’s explanation that his positive test for clenbuterol was a result of eating contaminated meat.
The Tinkoff-Saxo rider had been provisionally suspended after testing positive following his win in the Japan Cup last October. However, in a press release issued on Wednesday, the UCI ruled that there was ‘a significant probability’ that the presence of clenbuterol in his body was due to tainted meat eaten in China where Rogers had been racing at the Tour of Beijing.
In line with the regulations, Rogers will be stripped of his win in the Japan Cup, but will not receive any further sanctions and is now costless to return to racing. The Australian rider expressed his relief at the decision in a statement released via Twitter.
‘Over the past four months, my family and I have endured a very difficult time. The UCI’s decision means I can return to racing immediately, and I am looking forward to getting back to work, competing in the sport I love.’
The Tinkoff-Saxo rider looks set to target the Tour de France where he will ride in support of Alberto Contador, who himself was banned for two years after testing positive for clenbuterol on his way to the yellow jersey in 2010.
There appears to be similar good news for former Crelan-Euphony rider Jonathan Breyne, who was suspended in a similar case following a positive test for clenbuterol at the Tour of Taihu Lake, and subsequently attempted to commit suicide.
Although the 23-year-old Belgian has yet to be formally cleared, Belgian media reports that the UCI will make the announcement in the coming days.