April 23, 2014 – Following a report from the WADA accredited laboratory in Tokyo indicating an adverse analytical finding for clenbuterol in a urine sample collected during a test conducted at the Japan Cup Cycle Road Race on October 20, 2013, the UCI provisionally suspended Mr. Michael Rogers – see press release of 18 December 2013.

In accordance with the UCI Anti-Doping Rules and the World Anti-Doping Code, Mr. Rogers took the opportunity to explain to the UCI how the prohibited substance had entered his system, and to provide supporting information.

Upon careful analysis of Mr Rogers’ explanations and the accompanying technical reports the UCI found that that there was a significant probability that the presence of clenbuterol may have resulted from the consumption of contaminated meat from China – where he had taken part in a race before travelling to Japan.

As a result, the UCI has proceeded with the automatic disqualification of Mr. Rogers’ results at the 2013 Japan Cup Cycle Road Race (the competition during which the positive sample was taken) but, after consulting WADA, decided that he should not be sanctioned any further.

The UCI is monitoring very carefully the latest developments concerning clenbuterol, and will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure riders are properly informed.

However, the UCI reiterates that the presence of clenbuterol in a urine sample constitutes an anti-doping rule violation under the World Anti-Doping Code and the UCI Anti-Doping Rules. It is generally acknowledged that in certain countries a risk of meat contaminated by clenbuterol can exist and produce, in specific conditions, a positive sample from an athlete. WADA has issued specific warnings about this problem in China and Mexico. Consequently, the UCI reiterates its recommendations to the athletes and teams concerned to avoid eating meat in these countries.

In line with WADA recommendations, the UCI will continue to assess the presence of clenbuterol on a case by case basis taking into account the country in which contamination may have taken place, as well as any scientific evidence supporting the likelihood of such contamination.