The International Cycling Union (UCI) has provisionally suspended RadioShack rider Fuyu Li following a report from the WADA accredited laboratory in Ghent indicating an Adverse Analytical Finding of Clenbuterol. The doping control was done during an in-competition test at the Dwaars Door Vlaanderen on the 23rd of March 2010.
Clenbuterol is used to treat chronic breathing disorders such as asthma and makes breathing easier. The WADA considers the drug to be a anabolic agent used to build strength. The UCI advised that his provisional suspension will remain in place until a hearing by the Chinese Cycling Federation determines whether Fuyu has committed an anti-doping rule violation under Article 21 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules.
The RadioShack team said in a statement: “Fuyu Li has been immediately suspended pending the outcome of his B-sample test in the next few weeks. If that test is positive the rider will be removed from the team.”
“Team RadioShack and its management take this incident very seriously. We will respect the rights of our rider but will enforce our zero tolerance policy should his B-sample test positive.”
Fuyu is the reigning Chinese individual time trial champion. The 31 year old won the Tour of Thailand in 2006, and was the Chinese national mountain bike cross country champion in 2003. He previously rode for the Discovery Channel team with Johan Bruyneel in 2007, and became the first Chinese professional rider to join a ProTour Team. He rejoined Bruyneel at RadioShack this year after riding with the Marco Polo Cycling team in 2008 and 2009.