Swiss MTB rider Mathias Fluckiger's suspension lifted by authorities

Swiss mountain bike racer Mathias Fluckiger can now rejoice as his suspension has been lifted by the Swiss Cycling Federation. He tested positive during a doping test after the Swiss mountain biking championships on 5 June, after which he was suspended.

The drug he tested positive for was Zeranol. That is an anabolic that promotes body growth. Following the positive result, the Federation decided to suspend him until the conclusion of the investigation. After four months of investigation, the organisation finally cleared his name.

Swiss Sports Integrity has since concluded that given the low concentration of Zeranol - there was no cheating this time. The maximum amount of that drug allowed before you are found positive as a rider is five nanograms per millilitre, but according to an independent analysis, only 0.3 nanograms per millilitre was found in his body. So Flückiger can now finally return to the field with his bike.

Fluckiger is very pleased with the news but also knows getting back on the top is not going to be an easy task. "I dropped from spot 3 to 24 in the world ranking during my suspension, resulting in a lesser starting position. Moreover, I was forced to pass for European Championship and World Cup mountain biking. Now I am already looking ahead to 2023, and I want to ride races again soon," informed Fluckiger in a press statement.