Rider could face lengthy ban, disqualification from 2012 Philadelphia International Championship
Two months after the UCI announced that the Russian rider Alexander Serebryakov had tested positive for EPO in an out of competition test carried out on March 18th, the governing body has announced that the analysis of an earlier sample from last season has once again shown the presence of the banned drug.
It announced today that the re-analysis of a sample originally taken on February 21st 2012 had revealed traces of the substance. The laboratory involved, the WADA-accredited Cologne lab, is understood to be using a more sensitive test this year and this explains why a previously-negative test has thrown up a red flag.
“This reanalysis, carried out in accordance with new WADA technical documents concerning the identification of EPO, revealed the presence of EPO in the rider's sample,” stated the UCI.
It has told the second year professional of the new positive, which will also be considered by the Russian Cycling Federation when it hears his case.
Serebryakov turned pro with Team Type 1 last year and was the winner of the TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship, as well as ten other races. He clocked up stage wins in the Tours of Korea, China and Hainan plus the Tour of Taihu Lake, and the points gained earned him a contract with the Euskaltel Euskadi team.
This season he was 22nd in Scheldeprijs and 14th in the GP Pino Cerami, but the two separate offences mean that he could be facing a very length suspension from the sport.
It remains to be seen if the UCI will reanalyse past samples from other riders with the new test, which can help detect microdosing.