UCI lift Michael Rogers doping suspension

MichaelRogers

The Australian had been facing a two-year ban from the sport after urine samples taken following the Japan Cycle Road Race in October showed an "adverse analytical finding for clenbuterol".

The UCI provisionally suspended Rogers from competition, however that ban has now been lifted following further analysis and an explanation from the rider himself - with the governing body confirming that his positive result may have been caused by contaminated meat eaten during a trip to China.

A statement from the UCI read: "Upon careful analysis of Mr Rogers' explanations and the accompanying technical reports, the UCI found that that there was a significant probability that the presence of clenbuterol may have resulted from the consumption of contaminated meat from China - where he had taken part in a race before travelling to Japan.

"As a result, the UCI has proceeded with the automatic disqualification of Mr Rogers' results at the 2013 Japan Cup Cycle Road Race (the competition during which the positive sample was taken) but, after consulting WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency), decided that he should not be sanctioned any further."

Rogers expressed relief at the decision and is now looking forward to returning to competitive action.

"Over the past four months, my family and I have endured a very difficult time," he wrote in a statement posted on his official Twitter account.

"The UCI's decision means I can return to racing immediately, and I am looking forward to getting back to work, competing in the sport I love.

"I wish to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, team-mates, colleagues, medical experts and fans who have showed continued support and understanding."

Tinkoff-Saxo confirmed via a statement of their own: "We will be sitting down with Michael to agree his race calendar and we look forward to seeing him at his best."

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