Three Russian Olympic cyclists 'potentially implicated' in McLaren doping report
The UCI says it is in the process of "identifying relevant rider samples" after three Russians selected for the Olympics potentially implicated in doping report
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The UCI has revealed it is in the process of identifying samples of three Russian Olympic cyclists potentially implicated in the McLaren doping report to determine whether they can compete in Rio next month.
The International Olympic Committee left it to the individual sports' governing bodies to decide whether competitors should be banned from the games when it decided not to issue a blanket expulsion for the country.
Following the publication of the damning report, in which it was claimed 26 positive tests by cyclists were covered up, the UCI sought further information from WADA.
"[The UCI] was informed that three riders named by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) to compete in Rio 2016 were potentially implicated," said a UCI statement.
"The UCI, through the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF), is in the process of identifying relevant rider samples and is in close dialogue with WADA to move forward with these cases immediately. It has also passed the names of these three athletes to the IOC in the context of its Executive Board decision."
The governing body also revealed that three other riders have been withdrawn from the Games, which start on August 5, because they have been previously sanctioned for Anti-Doping Rule Violations.
It is believed that Tour de France stage winner Ilnur Zakarin is among these riders withdrawn by the Russian Olympic Committee in accordance with the IOC's ruling, having been handed a two-year ban in 2009.
The other 11 cyclists selected by the ROC have been cleared to compete in Rio, with the UCI and CADF analysing their testing history.
"The UCI is absolutely committed to protecting the rights of clean athletes at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and beyond," the UCI statement concluded.
Thank you for reading 10 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.
-
-
Nairo Quintana says he's not retiring. What next?
The Colombian, let go by Arkéa-Samsic last year, is still without a team, but wants to race on
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Saudi Tour 2023
All you need to know about the Saudi Tour, with race results, rider updates and general information
By Adam Becket • Published
-
American cyclist Jackson ’Huntley’ Nash handed lifetime ban after doping violations
USADA hand down penalty after multiple offences discovered by investigation
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Guillaume Martin: The big question is this grey area of ketones
The Frenchman says he is in favour of banning ketones for reasons of fairness
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe doesn't share Arnaud Démare's concerns over performance products used in the peloton
The Frenchman also says he 'won't be shouting from the rooftops' when he eventually decides to compete for the Tour de France yellow jersey
By Jonny Long • Published
-
US amateur rider handed four-year doping ban after winning cat three race
The 49-year-old was tested after his win in the Arizona State Championships this summer
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
David Lappartient: Riders are sharing rumours of new doping techniques, they feel there is a gap
"Man is limitless in the imagination to cheat," the UCI President said
By Jonny Long • Published
-
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 • Published
-
Former Vini Zabù rider banned for three years after testing positive at Giro d’Italia
A former Vini Zabù rider has been banned for three years after testing positive at the Giro d’Italia.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
USADA bans rider after testing positive for 10 different prohibited substances
The athlete has accepted a four-year suspension
By Jonny Long • Published