Portugal stage winner Ortega tests positive for EPO

A typically arid, evocative scene from the Serra de Lapa hills

A typically arid, evocative scene from the Serra de Lapa hills (Image credit: Pete Goding.)

Carlos Pereira, sports director for the Portuguese Continental team Barbot-Siper, has admitted to A Bola that one of his riders, Joaquín Ortega, tested positive for EPO prior to the Tour of Portugal. Ortega won the sixth stage of the national event, but returned a positive sample before the stage race and will now face a two-year ban, on top of losing his victory.

Pereira assured the newspaper that the team did not have anything to do with the positive test result, saying that it was the sole responsibility of the rider. Moreover, he announced that the team would carry out internal controls in 2011 in order to make sure the squad's riders remain clean.

José Mendes (LA Aluminios-Rota dos Móveis), second-placed behind Ortega on stage six of the Tour of Portugal,  should receive the winner's honours as soon as the disciplinary process has been finalised.

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