Tour of Elk Grove officials named Mike Friedman (Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle) as the new winner of the 2007 edition of the three-stage race in place of Nathan O'Neill, who tested positive for and later admitted use of the appetite suppressant Phentermine at the event.
The Tour of Elk Grove was held August 11-12. Organizers expressed their disappointment publicly in a written statement Wednesday after hearing of O'Neill's positive. His Health Net Pro Cycling Team suspended him after his B sampled confirmed the initial positive test.
"We're obviously disappointed but we will continue to be aggressive about testing and holding our riders to the highest possible standards," said Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson, who also serves as Director of Tour of Elk Grove. O'Neill has returned his US$33,500 prize money (which will be redistributed to other 2007 top winners). He will also be banned for life from racing in the event.
