The decision to provisionally suspend the two riders was made in response to reports from the WADA accredited laboratories in Lausanne and Paris indicating an Adverse Analytical Finding of Recombinant EPO (CERA) in blood samples collected from them.
CERA was detected in blood samples provided by Mr Landaluze Intxaurraga during the Crit?rium du Dauphin? Lib?r? on 7 June 2009 and in an out-of-competition test on 16 June 2009.
CERA was detected in a sample provided by Mr Serrano Gonzalez during the Tour of Switzerland on 13 June 2009. CERA was also detected in a single blood sample collected from Mr Serrano, primarily for the purposes of the biological passport, during a pre-competition test before the Giro d’Italia on 7 May 2009. Although no B sample was collected for this test, the UCI believes that the report, which confirms the presence of CERA, adds evidence to the assertion that Mr Serrano has committed an anti-doping rule violation. The results of these analyses will be added to the evidence already provided to the Spanish Cycling Federation relating to the abnormal blood profile of Mr Serrano.
The provisional suspension for these riders remains in force until a hearing panel convened by the Spanish Cycling Federation determines whether they have committed an anti-doping rule violation under Article 21 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules.
Both riders have the right to request and attend the analysis of their B samples.
