Following the announcement that Eduard Vorganov has tested position in an out-of competition control, Katusha have issued the following statement:

Team Katusha notes that the UCI has started a proceeding against Eduard Vorganov for a violation of the UCI anti-doping rules. The team understand that the adverse analytical finding concerns the substance Meldonium (also known as Mildronate) which was placed on the prohibited list only on 1 Jan 2016.

Team Katusha confirms that this substance has never been used by the Team in any form and was not provided to the rider by the team.

In accordance with Team Katusha's zero tolerance policy, Eduard Vorganov has been suspended from all team activities, effective immediately. In the event that Eduard Vorganov took this product on his own initiative, Team Katusha will conduct an investigation as such conduct is in breach of the Team’s strict medical and anti-doping internal rules.

With that said, Eduard Vorganov awaits the results of his B sample, and Team Katusha respects and will adhere to the process of the anti-doping authorities and will not comment further at this time.

Team Katusha emphasizes that it takes all possible measures in order to avoid anti-doping rule violations within its team and is fully committed to fight doping. Team Katusha is obviously extremely disappointed that a situation like this could occur despite these measures.