Breaking: UCI sanctions Nairo Quintana following tramadol positive

Nairo Quintana has been sanctioned by the UCI following the presence of tramadol in his metabolism during blood test samples taken during the Tour de France.

"The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that the Colombian rider Nairo Alexander Quintana Rojas has been sanctioned for an infringement of the in-competition ban on using tramadol as set out in the UCI Medical Rules," the UCI said in it's issued statement. Quintana has been stripped of his sixth place at the Tour de France as a result, however has not been prevented from resuming racing - which means he will still be at the start of the Vuelta a Espana in the coming days.

Tramadol is used as a painkiller and the use of tramadol is not allowed in competition. The Coloimbian tested positive for the substance during his successful Tour de France run, which now sees Arkéa Samsic loose the grand majority of it's points and fall back into a dangerous spot when it comes to the fight for the World Tour position they had until today almost guaranteed.

The blood test samples taken on the 8th and 13th of July - stages 7 and 11 respectively - have both shown the presence of tramadol. The decision can be appealed in the next 10 days, however is unlikely to produce meaningful results for the Colombian.