The Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA has banned two young riders from Itera-Katusha for one year after violating anti-doping rules. The exact nature of the reasons for the suspensions of Andrey Lukokin and Ivan Lutsenko are not yet clear.

RUSADA does not mention a positive test, but only talk about 'breaking the rules'. The suspension is effective from August 3 and represents a new chapter in the already rich history of Russian doping affairs. The team may be independent of Katusha, but is undeniably part of the Russian Global Cycling Project. Katusha has had to deal with two doping cases in the past season. Luca Paolini tested positive for cocaine and Giampaolo Caruso tested positive for EPO when an old sample was retested.

Russia finds themselves in a difficult situation after the Russian athletics federation has accepted a suspension due to evidence of bribery and cover-ups of  positive tests. RUSADA  has been suspended by WADA and is accused of a cover-up list.