Sergio Henao free to race as investigation into biological passport values ends
Independent experts conclude there is no basis to proceed further with the investigation into Sergio Henao's biological passport values
Sergio Henao is free to return to action with Team Sky after experts concluded there were no further action required over the Colombian's biological passport values.
On April 20, independent experts from the Athlete Passport Management Unit in Lausanne, Switzerland, requested further information from Henao about his values.
But the experts decided there was no basis to proceed further with the case, according to a UCI statement released on Tuesday.
Henao was initially withdrawn from racing in 2014 after his biological passport showed anomalies in his blood profile, which can, in some cases, indicate the use of performance-enhancing drugs, although this was not the case with Henao.
How to make a Team Sky breakfast
As Henao lives as altitude in Colombia, the theory is that switching between high and low altitudes during blocks of racing and training can lead to fluctuations in your blood values, eg haemoglobin level. The percentage of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin in blood increases after spending time at high altitude as the body compensates for less oxygen in the air.
The 28-year-old was withdrawn from racing again just hours before La Flèche Wallonne in April, where he would have been one of the favourites. He finished second in the Tour of the Basque Country for the second successive season this year and also took top-10s at the Tour Down Under and Paris-Nice.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Freezing, wet and freezing, and non-existent: when cycling's weather gods don't play ball
This year's La Flèche Wallonne was tough – but there are others to match it
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Are pockets on the Specialized Men's Prime SWAT Bib Shorts worth parting with extra cash? Perhaps
Pockets come at a premium, but these are a treat to wear if they meet your budget
By Sam Jones Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘It doesn’t change anything’ - Tom Pidcock’s coach on Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche
Kurt Bogaerts says the pressure is off for Pidcock as he looks to defend the title he emphatically won last year
By Tom Thewlis Published