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Alex Baudin tests positive for Tramadol and is not banned, but team takes action

French rider was found to have used substance at Giro d'Italia

29-07-2023 Clasica San Sebastian; 2023, Ag2r - Citroen; Baudin, Alex; Mendizorrotz; Photo by: Sirotti
August 1, 2023
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Alex Baudin of AG2R Citroën, has been retroactively disqualified after the Giro d’Italia, after testing positive for tramadol. The prohibited painkiller has been banned by the UCI since 2019, but the positive test does not count as an anti-doping violation.

Instead, his results in the Grand Tour, including his 10th place finish on stage 12 from Bra to Rivoli, have been erased. Although he is free to continue racing, his team is giving him a time-out.

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“Due to the decision of the UCI, the AG2R Citroën team is keeping its rider aside for the time being as a precaution,” a statement read. “AG2R Citroën is a founding member of the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC), advocating the practice of cycling in accordance with strict ethical rules and strict adherence to UCI and MPCC regulations.”

In 2022, Nairo Quintana was also found with a positive finding of the drug, which led to his sixth place at the Tour de France being nullified, and his Arkéa-Samsic team not renewing his contract.