AG2R Citroën ethics committee reinstates Alex Baudin after Tramadol constructive

AG2R Citroën introduced that they’ve reinstated Alex Baudin following an inner investigation by the crew’s ethics committee. The UCI disqualified Baudin from the 2023 Giro d’Italia after testing constructive for Tramadol on stage 17 of the race, and AG2R Citroën sidelined him from competitors starting on August 1 whereas conducting its personal examination into the matter.

“AG2R Citroën crew broadcasts the reinstatement of Alex Baudin after an in-depth examination by the crew’s ethics committee,” the crew wrote in an official assertion on Friday. “Alex Baudin has not taken half in any competitors since 1 August 2023 following his disqualification from the Giro d’Italia.”

Baudin was disqualified from the Giro d’Italia, together with all of his stage placings and outcomes from that occasion.

In-competition use of Tramadol was barred by the UCI in 2019, though testing constructive for the painkiller does not represent an anti-doping rule violation, and Baudin was thus free to proceed racing after the Giro d’Italia.

He continued to compete in June and July till AG2R Citroën prevented him from additional competitors on August 1.

Tramadol is an opiate ache remedy, and the Motion for Credible Biking (MPCC) – of which Baudin’s AG2R crew is a member – had requested a ban on the drug way back to 2013 following studies of widespread use within the peloton.

Baudin is the second rider to be disqualified from a Grand Tour for the offence following Nairo Quintana. The UCI disqualified Quintana from the 2022 Tour de France after testing constructive for Tramadol on two events through the race.

Tramadol shall be added to the WADA banned record from January 1, 2024.

“The crew want to reaffirm its dedication to sporting integrity, transparency, and selling clear and moral biking,” the crew wrote in a press release.

Baudin, 22, stated that his time away from competitors has been difficult however that he’s grateful to be returning to the peloton in 2024.

“After a sophisticated interval away from the pack and my ardour, I’m trying ahead to reuniting with my teammates for the brand new 12 months, which shall be stuffed with thrills and sporting challenges,” Baudin stated.

“I’m going to place all my power and dedication into attaining nice outcomes with the crew.”