Simon Yates fails drug test after asthma inhaler 'error'
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 29/04/16 2:24pm
Orica-GreenEdge have blamed an "administrative error" after British rider Simon Yates failed a drugs test at last month's Paris-Nice stage race.
Orica-GreenEdge say the banned substance Terbutaline came from an asthma inhaler for which their doctor had failed to attain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). They insist there has been no wrongdoing on Yates' part.
Under International Cycling Union (UCI) anti-doping rules, the use of Terbutaline does not trigger a provisional suspension and Yates is consequently free to continue racing.
A statement from Orica-GreenEdge read: "On April 22, the team was notified that Simon Yates has an adverse analytical finding from a test conducted at Paris-Nice, stage 6 on March 12, 2016. The positive result is for the substance Terbutaline.
"The substance was given to Simon Yates in the form an asthma inhaler and accordingly, this was noted by the team doctor on the Doping Control Form, signed at the time of the test.
"The substance was given in an ongoing treatment of Simon Yates' documented asthma problems. However, in this case the team doctor made an administrative error by failing to apply for the TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) required for the use of this treatment.
"The use of Terbutaline without a current TUE is the reason it has been flagged as an adverse analytical finding. This is solely based on a human error that the doctor in question has taken full responsibility for.
"There has been no wrong-doing on Simon Yates' part. The team takes full responsibility for this mistake and wishes to underline their support for Simon during this process."
Along with twin brother Adam, Yates is one of the most promising young talents in cycling.
After winning a world title on the track in 2013, he joined Orica-GreenEdge in 2014 and finished fifth at both the Criterium du Dauphine and Tour of the Basque Country in 2015.
Both of the Yates twins are strong candidates for Britain's team in the men's road race at this summer's Olympic Games.
A UCI statement read: "The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirms that British rider Simon Yates has been notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding of Terbutaline in a sample collected in the scope of an in-competition control on 12 March 2016.
"As per the UCI's Anti-Doping Rules, such substance does not entail the imposition of a provisional suspension. The rider has the right to request and attend the analysis of the B sample."
