The Iranian Pishgaman Cycling Team are facing suspension after a second of their riders returned a positive anti-doping test within a 12-month period.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirmed on Friday that Pishgaman Cycling rider Rahim Emami failed an in-competition test for anabolic androgenic steroids at the Jelajah Malaysia event on October 18 2016.
Emami placed fourth overall in the 2016 Jelajah Malaysia after winning the opening stage on the date of the failed test. Three of his team mates took first, second and third on general classification.
>>> ‘Worse than Lance Armstrong’: former WADA chief blasts Russian doping
"In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the affair," read a UCI statement.
"This constitutes the second AAF for a member of the UCI Continental Team Pishgaman Cycling within a twelve-month period."
Previously, Naser Rezavi from the UCI Continental-level team had failed a test for anabolic androgenic steroids on December 11 2015. Rezavi was handed a four-year ban for the infringement.
According to UCI anti-doping rules, the whole squad will now face a suspension from competition for a minimum of 15 days and a maximum of 45 days.
A decision on the length of ban will be made by the UCI's Disciplinary Commission "in due course".
Tougher anti-doping rules were introduced in January 2015 so that a team could be given a penalty when two or more riders fail an anti-doping test. The new measures discourage organised doping within teams and also prompt teams to ensure their riders compete clean, rather than the onus being entirely on the individual rider.
-
-
Five things to look out for at the Tour De France 2021 in week one
Punchy opening stages, Cav at the Tour, and a tough edition of La Course - don't miss these moments
By Stephen Puddicombe •
-
Michael Woods leads team at Tour de France but says 'I don't deserve to be in the conversation for the win'
The Canadian has been one of the best climbers this season but his time trial form has let him down
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
-
UK Anti-Doping's case against Richard Freeman paused after doping doctor appeals tribunal verdict
UKAD will resume proceedings against Richard Freeman after his High Court appeal
By Jonny Long •
-
Women’s WorldTour rider salaries increase by 25 per cent, according to UCI
One year after Women’s WorldTeams were introduced, the governing body praises ‘positive impact on women riders’
By Alex Ballinger •
-
USADA bans rider after testing positive for 10 different prohibited substances
The athlete has accepted a four-year suspension
By Jonny Long •
-
Former French Anti-Doping boss accuses Lance Armstrong of motor doping
Verdy says he doesn't think Armstrong's performances were possible on just EPO alone
By Jonny Long •
-
Vini Zabù: 'The MPCC timeline is very inappropriate'
The Italian team says there is a chance they won't be allowed to start the upcoming Giro, and if that is the case there are worries as to the future of the team
By Jonny Long •
-
WADA investigating UK Anti-Doping after allegedly allowing British Cycling to conduct own drug inquest
After a 2010 sample from a prominent rider returned trace amounts of the steroid nandralone, it is alleged UKAD allowed British Cycling to conduct their own private investigation into the matter
By Jonny Long •
-
'Will some be nervous about what you have to say?': Operacion Puerto doctor Eufemiano Fuentes to give rare TV interview
Fuentes admits he cheated, adding he doesn't know anyone who didn't
By Jonny Long •
-
UCI publishes images clarifying banned rider positions
Cycling's governing body has published explanations for the raft of new safety measures being introduced in 2021, including barriers and rubbish disposal
By Jonny Long •
