CyclingQuotes.com Team Tinkoff-Saxo responds to the allegations toward Michael Rogers

MICHAEL ROGERS

TINKOFF

18.12.2013 @ 19:50 Posted by Patrick Lorien

On the team website Tinkoff-Saxo responds to the clenbuterol allegations towards Michael Rogers.

“Today, Michael Rogers has been advised by the UCI that he returned an adverse analytical finding for clenbuterol in an A-sample taken in connection with Japan Cup on the 20th October 2013,“ the team writes.

“Michael Rogers immediately informed Saxo-Tinkoff's management about the notification from the UCI.”

“The Australian explained to the team management that he never ingested the substance knowingly nor deliberately and fears that the adverse analytical finding origins from a contaminated food source.”

“Michael Rogers participated in Tour of Beijing the week before the Japan Cup and travelled directly from China to Japan.”

“Michael Rogers now has the opportunity to request an analysis of his B-sample. According to the team's Anti Doping policy, Michael Rogers is provisionally suspended with immediate effect.”

“Until further facts are available to the team, Saxo-Tinkoff has no further comments on the matter.”

Michael Rogers apparent defence seems to be linked to that of Alberto Contador, who stated that he had unknowingly ingested clenbuterol in connection with a restaurant meal.

According to the UCI Belgian rider Jonathan Bryene (Crelan-Euphony) has also tested positive for clenbuterol. The test was conducted during the Tour of Taihu Lake.

Now the question is whether clenbuterol is commonly found in food items in Asia, or if Michael Rogers and Jonathan Bryene, knowingly used banned substances to increase to performances.

For now the ladder seems more likely, because if clenbuterol can be commonly found in various food sources, how come so few professional riders have been caught?

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