Caja Rural-Seguros rider Alberto Ruiz Gallego has been provisionally suspended by the UCI after submitting an anti-doping sample which tested positive for Stanozolol.
The 25-year-old tested positive on January 3 for the substance, a metabolite of testosterone. The Spaniard becomes the first professional rider to be suspended for doping in 2016.
Gallego enjoyed a solid season in 2015 riding for Continental team Radio Popular ONDA Boavista, claiming five top 10 finishes in stage races, ultimately winning him a contract with the Pro Continental level Caja Rural.
Gallego's contract has now been terminated by the Spanish team in accordance with current regulations and internal practices, according to a short statement on their website.
"The team is disappointed by this news as it strives to participate in a clean sport," the statement concluded.
His best performance came at the Route du Sud in June - a traditional build-up race for some Tour de France contenders - where he finished seventh, just over two minutes behind winner Alberto Contador.
He followed it up with 13th in the Spanish National Championships and third overall at the GP Internacional Torres Vedras in July.
Gallego had been set to make his debut for Caja Rural at either Challenge Mallorca (January 28-31) or the GP de Marseillaise (January 31).
-
-
Anna van der Breggen launches signature clothing collection
Double world champion adds new kit range to her list of projects in her final year as a pro
By Simon Smythe •
-
Specialized Expert Alloy Shallow bend road handlebar reviewed
Go-to handlebars if you like a curly drop
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan •
-
Doping ban for former Trek-Segafredo rider upheld after his appeal fails
The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the four-year ban for the 36-year-old
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Delko rider banned for doping says he tested positive after eye surgery
A Delko rider banned for doping has claimed he tested positive after having eye surgery.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Doctor at centre of Operation Aderlass doping scandal jailed by German court
The doctor at the centre of the Operation Aderlass doping scandal has been jailed by a German court.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Doctor at centre of Operation Aderlass scandal admits to doping athletes
The doctor at the centre of the Operation Aderlass scandal has admitted doping athletes during his ongoing trial.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Georg Preidler spared jail after admitting involvement in Operation Aderlass blood doping ring
Georg Preidler has been spared jail after admitting his involvement in the Operation Aderlass blood doping ring.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Doping trafficking ring involving professional athletes dismantled in Italy
Authorities searched the houses of 74 athletes registered to sports federations
By Jonny Long •
-
Negative backlash for reporting doping the biggest barrier for potential whistleblowers, study finds
Only 40 per cent of athletes and coaches said they felt their sport actively encouraged them to report doping
By Jonny Long •
-
'I'm not going to lie to you now': New Lance Armstrong documentary to air
The documentary features new, extensive interviews with Armstrong as well as a number of his former team-mates, rivals and friends
By Jonny Long •
