Trek-Segafredo’s Jarlinson Pantano tests positive for EPO

Colombian rider Jarlinson Pantano has been suspended by UCI after testing positive for banned blood-boosting hormone EPO.

The Trek-Segafredo rider returned an adverse analytical finding for EPO during an out-of-competition doping control in February.

“It is with deep disappointment that we have just learned that our rider, Jarlinson Pantano, has been notified of an adverse analytical finding in a sample collected during an out of competition control carried out by the Cycling Antidoping Foundation,” said Trek-Segafredo in a statement.

“In accordance with our zero-tolerance policy, he has been suspended immediately.

“We hold our riders and staff to the highest ethical standards and will act and communicate accordingly as more details become available.”

Pantano, whose most notable career victory is winning stage 15 of the 2016 Tour de France, has the right to request and attend the analysis of the B sample.

UCI said: “The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces that the Colombian rider Jarlinson Pantano Gomez was notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) of Erythropoietin in a sample collected during an out-of-competition control on 26 February 2019.

“In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the affair.

“At this stage of the procedure, the UCI will not comment any further on this matter.”