The AG2R Citroën Team welcomed the return of French cyclist Alex Baudin. The 22-year-old had been suspended from the team earlier this year after the annulment of his results in the Giro d’Italia due to the detection of the prohibited painkiller Tramadol. The ethics committee of the French team granted permission for Baudin to reintegrate into the team.
Results canceled during the Giro d’Italia
In this year’s Giro d’Italia, the UCI canceled all of Alex Baudin’s results after a blood sample containing Tramadol was detected. This medication has been on the prohibited list since 2019 due to serious side effects, such as dizziness and nausea, which could pose a danger to the rest of the peloton.
The incident occurred during the 17th stage of the Italian competition.
Baudin’s blood sample tested positive after the 17th stage. Since Tramadol will not be banned by WADA until January 1, 2024, Baudin was not further suspended. An ethics committee investigation within the team determined that the French cyclist could return to competitions.
Alex Baudin doesn’t hide his gratitude to the team.
“After a challenging period away from the team and my great passion, I am looking forward to working again with my teammates next year. I will put all my energy into achieving good results for the team,” concluded Baudin.