December 1/10 11:32 am - Igor Astarloa Sanctioned by UCI

Posted by Editoress on 12/1/10
 

The International Cycling Union (UCI) announces that following its request for proceedings against the Spanish rider Igor Astarloa Askasibar for a breach of the Anti-Doping Rules on the basis of his biological passport, the Disciplinary Commission of the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) has decided to sanction the rider by a two-year suspension from November 26, 2010 and €35,000 fine ($48,650 CDN).

Astarloa won the men's road world title in Hamilton, Ontario in 2003.  He also won Flèche Wallonne that year, and in 2006 won Milano-Torino.  Astarloa has stated that he is innocent, and has since retired from the sport.

The Spanish rider was one of five that were provisionally suspended by the UCI in June of 2009, after the biological passport program found irregularities in their profiles.  The others to be suspended were Pietro Caucchioli, Francesco De Bonis, Ricardo Serrano and Rubén Lobato.  Caucchioli has announced that he will appeal his suspension.