Arkéa Samsic claim to have "no idea" over origin of Quintana's tramadol positive

Arkéa Samsic and Nairo Quintana are being the target of many questions as this week the topic of prohibited substance use came back to the spotlight, and the situation is complicated for the French team who are actively avoiding decisions or big statements following the announcement.

Team DS Sébastien Hinault responded after the initial time-trial that “for now, there is not much more to say because we’re not totally at the bottom of the issue yet. We’re waiting for it to become clear before making a judgement".

Hinault said he had "no idea" where the substance came from, and according to Velonews, the interview was ended right afterwards as the team looked to evade further questions regarding the Colombian.

Quintana was sanctioned on his Tour de France result due to two positive tramadol test results, a painkiller that is now allowed in competition. He dropped out of the Vuelta a Espana to organize his defense against the accusations, leaving Arkéa Samsic without a leader and scrambling for a plan b, which will become to chase stage wins throughout the three weeks.