12 riders test positive from samples collected on a single day in Costa Rica stage race
Union Cycliste Internationale confirms that 12 riders returned adverse analytical findings from samples taken on December 22 at the Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Costa Rica

An amateur racer has been banned for doping

Twelve riders returned adverse analytical findings for banned blood-boosting drugs at the 2017 Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Costa Rica from samples taken on just a single day of the race. One of those who tested positive, Juan Carlos Rojas, was the overall race winner.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirmed the 12 positive test results in a statement issued on Wednesday. It said that the results were from samples collected from the riders on December 22 2017 – the day of the 10-stage race's individual time trial, won by Rojas.
The following riders tested positive for CERA: Juan Carlos Rojas, Cesar Andres Rojas, Jewinson Leandro Varela, Vladimir Fernandez, Jose Alexis Rodriquez, Jason Huertas, Jose Irias, Gabriel Eduardo Marin, Melvin Mora Garita, Kevin Murillo and Jordy Sandoval.
In addition, Jeancarlo Padilla tested positive for EPO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gziABZj6X8
The UCI suggested that the anti-doping tests were carried out as a result of information supplied to it.
"These intelligence-led doping controls were planned and carried out by the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF), the independent body in charge of defining and implementing the anti-doping strategy in cycling, with the assistance of the Federacion Costarricense de Ciclismo, the Comisión Nacional Antidopaje de Costa Rica and the Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreacion," said the UCI.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Dr Hutch: Can we have proper cycling scandals back now, please?
All 12 of the riders have been provisionally suspended from competition and have the right to request that their B samples are tested.
The Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Costa Rica is the second South American race to yield mass doping test failures, after eight riders returned adverse analytical findings at the 2017 Vuelta a Colombia in August. Seven of the riders failed tests for CERA, with one testing positive for anabolic steroids.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
Lidl-Trek, EF Education-EasyPost among first teams to seize ‘the only chance to race in the United States’
With a world-class field of competitors, organisers hope to showcase professional cycling to American spectators and reignite fan interest
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
'This sucks': Brixton Cycles closes its doors after 42 years
Iconic London shop announces closure after premises listed on property site
By James Shrubsall Published
-
UCI president says there is 'no plan B' for Rwanda World Championships after European Parliament calls for cancellation over conflict
The Road World Championships are due to be held in Kigali this September, but Rwanda is involved in armed conflict in the neighbouring DRC
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
No change to Rwanda World Championships planned after violence breaks out on border with DR Congo, UCI says
World governing body 'closely monitoring' situation in east Africa with showpiece event set to visit Rwanda in September
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
French cyclist given 10-month suspended prison sentence for doping
Marion Sicot said doping formed "an integral part" of cycling
By Tom Davidson Published
-
French cyclist faces suspended prison sentence and €5,000 fine in doping trial
Marion Sicot, who admitted to taking EPO in 2019, is currently on trial in France
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI confirm investigation launched into 'unapproved' frameset used by Saint Piran
British team glued fake UCI compliance labels to open mould frames purchased from far east
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Have information about motor doping in cycling? The UCI will now pay you
The UCI hopes that informants and whistleblowers will increase their knowledge of "new and innovative – and hard to detect – technology in bikes."
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Afghan Cycling Federation president suspended over 'abusive' messages
UCI bans Fazli Ahmad Fazli following almost three-year investigation
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI to review hookless rims ‘as a matter of urgency’
Review follows Thomas De Gendt’s heavy crash at men’s UAE Tour
By Tom Thewlis Published