UCI disqualifies Alex Baudin from Giro d'Italia after testing positive for Tramadol

According to a statement issued by the UCI, Alex Baudin has been sanctioned for taking tramadol during the last Giro d'Italia. It is the same drug that Nairo Quintana consumed in the Tour de France 2023 and for which he was also sanctioned. We'll see what AG2R Citroën does about the rider.

The case that led to this sanction was initiated during the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia 2023, when a dried blood sample provided by the rider was taken on May 24. The results of the analysis of the sample revealed the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites.

As a consequence of this infraction, and in accordance with the regulations set out in the UCI Medical Regulations, Alex Baudin has been disqualified from the 2023 Giro d'Italia. However, the rider has the option to appeal this decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the next 10 days (we assume that he will not take the same path that Nairo Quintana took and that makes him remain without a team).

Importantly, a total of 64 dried blood samples were collected during the Giro d'Italia 2023 as part of the tramadol program, as part of the UCI's efforts to ensure the integrity of the competition.

Despite the seriousness of the infraction, the sanction imposed on Alex Baudin has an important nuance. Violations of the in-competition tramadol ban are considered offenses under the UCI Medical Regulations, but are not considered anti-doping rule violations. As this is the first time the rider has incurred such a violation, he has not been declared ineligible and is therefore still eligible to participate in future competitions.

The ban of tramadol in cycling competitions is a measure that the UCI implemented as of March 1, 2019, in all disciplines and categories, with the aim of protecting the health and safety of riders, due to the adverse side effects of this substance. It is important to highlight that this substance will also be banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as of January 1, 2024.

The dried blood samples used in this process are collected by the International Testing Agency (ITA) using the dried blood spot (DBS) reference method. These sample collection kits, developed by the Swiss company DBS Systems, allow minimally invasive testing by drawing a small amount of blood from the cyclist's fingertip.

Analysis of the samples is carried out independently at the Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Geneva, using a peer-review method to determine the presence or absence and amount of tramadol and its two major metabolites. The results are then sent to the Center for Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences (REDs) at the University of Lausanne for a final independent review.

Finally, the results are managed by the ICU Medical Director, who makes decisions in accordance with the Medical Regulations established by the organization.