Two riders suspended in Algarve

Two riders from the Portuguese Continental Team Duja Tavira were removed from the Volta ao Algarve Friday because of elevated hematocrit values, which could indicate the use of illegal doping products. Samuel Calderia, of Portugal, and Daniel Petrow, of Bulgaria, were not allowed to start the third stage and will not be allowed to race for the next 15 days. Both riders were from the Duja Tavira team, which is regarded as Portugal's richest team.

Before stage 3, a total of 48 riders were blood tested, all from six different teams: Chocolade Jacques, Astana, Unibet.com, Duja Tavira, Fercase and Riberalves-Boavista.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1