Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko admits that several hundred Russian athletes were using meldonium before it was banned on January 1, with 40 now under investigation.
Interfax, a Russian news agency, reported on Thursday (April 7) that 30 per cent of sports teams in the country had used the drug, according to Mutko.
The minister has previously stated that all Russian athletes under investigation would receive legal assistance, which includes banned cyclist Eduard Vorganov, formerly of Katusha.
"Our main task now is to stabilize the situation and reduce our losses," Mutko said. "Our second task is to support Russian athletes under investigation now."
>>> Russian Cycling Federation confirms two positive tests for meldonium
Tennis player Maria Sharapova is the most high profile athlete to have tested positive for the drug, saying that she had been prescribed it by her doctors for several years.
Meldoinium is commonly used to treat heart conditions and chest pain, but it is also thought to improve endurance in athletes and was included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list for 2016.
But on company that makes the drug has recently stated that the drug can stay in a person's system for months after they stop taking it.
WADA confirmed in March that more than 140 athletes worldwide have tested positive for the drug.
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
-
-
Stefan Küng suffers concussion and broken hand in dramatic European Championships TT crash
Groupama-FDJ's Swiss rider forced to end season as a result of injuries
-
Tech Question: We're used to racers on narrow bars - but are they more comfortable, too?
We ask the experts what to look for in determining the optimal handlebar width
-
Jumbo-Visma rider Michel Hessmann suspended after positive anti-doping test
The 22-year-old's out-of-competition sample detected the presence of diuretics
-
Former British Cycling doctor Richard Freeman given four-year doping ban
Freeman chose not to defend himself before the anti-doping panel
-
'We are not cheaters' says Belgian rider Shari Bossuyt after anti-doping positive
The Canyon-SRAM rider tested positive for Letrozole in an anti-doping control in March
-
"Failing that drug test was the best thing that had ever happened to me"
Abuse victim and disgraced cycling champion Geneviève Jeanson finds solace in return to bike racing
-
29 cases of alleged doping recorded in cycling in 2022, but only one at WorldTour
Most came from semi-professional ranks, MPCC finds
-
Spanish police crack down on doping ring, former Kelme coach questioned
Miguel Ángel López denies any involvement in statement
-
UCI suspends continental team's licence due to doping investigation
W52-FC Porto cannot compete in any races after an investigation conducted by the Anti-Doping Authority of Portugal
-
Trial begins into French doctor and two others accused of attempting to dope cyclists
Bernand Sainz has been involved in cycling circles for the best part of six decades
