Share

Ex-Olympic champion Sanchez fails doping test

Paris - Spain's former Olympic road race champion, Samuel Sanchez, has failed an out-of-competition doping test, cycling's governing body the UCI announced on Thursday.

The body said Sanchez had tested positive for growth hormone releasing peptides in a sample taken on August 9 by the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation.

"The rider has the right to request and attend the analysis of the B sample. In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the affair," the UCI statement said.

Now 39, Sanchez is best known for winning gold in the road race at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Twice a podium finisher in the Vuelta, the BMC team rider had been due to take part in this year's race, which begins in the French city of Nimes on Saturday.

A BMC team statement said: "All riders and staff are held to the highest ethical standard and BMC Racing Team is extremely disappointed to share this news on the eve of the Vuelta a Espana."

They have replaced Sanchez with Belgium's Loic Vliegen for the three-week race.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE