Russian cyclist tests positive for doping, withdraws from Tour de France

Russian cyclist Alexander Kolobnev, who is currently in 69th place of the Tour de France general classification, is suspected of doping. The member of Katusha cycling team has tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, thus creating the first doping story of this year’s Tour.

According to L’Equipe, who cite a source within the organizing commitee of the race, the 30-year-old Russian has passed the test in question on July 6 at the fifth stage of the race. The identified substance is extensively used to conceal traces of doping use. The analysis of test A was made by Chatenay-Malabry laboratory, Velo Nation reported.

Kolobnev is double prize-winner of the World Championships. In January he was also awarded the bronze medal of the 2008 Olympics after David Rebellin’s use of EPO had been revealed.

Kolobnev already decided not to start at the 10th stage of the Tour, though he had the right to continue until his test B was opened. The latter should be made within 4 days.

Kolobnev’s punishment may vary from a warning to a two-year ban, depending on how he will explain the presence of hydrochlorothiazide in his body.