Quintana issues statement on tramadol positive: "I deny having used it in my career"

Nairo Quintana has today hit the spotlight for negative reasons, as positive test results for tramadol have seen his Tour de France results stripped away. The Colombian will be appealing the decision, as he came out to address the situation.

In a statement shared on social media, the Colombian responded: "Today I have been faced with the surprise of the UCI's announcement of an infraction over the use of tramadol. I don't know fully the use of this substance and I deny having used it in my career."

Quintana was today taken away his result at the 2022 Tour de France due to a positive result for tramadol on two different blood test samples. The painkiller is not allowed to be used in competition, and has seen his sixth place - and respective UCI points - removed from the Arkéa Samsic team.

The Colombian was given the opportunity to appeal the case, and he hints at that scenario: "With my team of lawyers we are exhausting all the processes to assume my defence". Although he has not been suspended, the case comes as a surprise and as a tough hit for Arkéa, who have just this week renewed with Quintana for another three years.