Alex Baudin sidelined from AG2R Citroën Team temporarily after tramadol positive

Alex Baudin has been suspended from racing by AG2R Citroën Team the French squad announced, the Frenchman tested positive for tramadol at the Giro d'Italia and although the UCI has not banned him from racing, the team has taken measures regarding it.

"Due to the decision of the UCI, AG2R Citroën is keeping its rider aside for the time being as a precaution," the team issued in a press release. “AG2R Citroën is a founding member of the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC), advocating the practice of cycling in accordance with strict ethical rules and strict adherence to UCI and MPCC regulations.”

The team's position as an MPCC member makes Baudin's situation very complicated contract-wise, he is signed with the team until 2024 but his future is uncertain. The 22-year old had his debut at the Corsa Rosa, not playing a key role in the race but supporting Aurélien Paret-Peintre and twice featuring in breakaways. He's tested positive for the substance - which Nairo Quintana tested positive twice at last year's Tour de France - on stage 17, and the UCI have disqualified his results from the entire race.

However, as the substance will only be banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency from 2024 onwards, he was not banned from racing. The race organizers have taken a total of 64 blood samples throughout the race and Baudin emerges as a new doping case.