Three Spanish riders with the 3 Molinos Resort team were declared unfit to start yesterday's first stage of the Vuelta a la Comunidad Valenciana Calpe, Spain. Rafael Casero and Alberto Benito were found by UCI officials to have haematocrit levels above the permitted maximum of 50 percent, while Antonio Tauler had a too low reticulocyte count.
A haematocrit level above 50 percent is considered suggestive of blood manipulation, but does not constitute proof. Riders are not permitted to race for two weeks after returning a test above 50 percent.
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
