One of the first biological passport cases ends in suspension
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has announced that the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) has decided to sanction Ricardo Serrano Gonzalez for two-years following a breach of the Anti-Doping Rules that included evidence from his biological passport. The UCI requested his suspension when the Spaniard was shown to have an abnormal haematological profile that was then backed up by two laboratory reports indicating the detection of CERA, the third generation EPO, in blood samples collected from the rider.
His first doping control was taken on May 7th of last year in between his participation in the Tour de Romandie and the Giro d’Italia, while he was riding for the Fuji-Servetto team. He had celebrated his biggest victory in Romandie the week prior, winning the first stage in Fribourg ahead of Lars Bak (Saxo Bank) and Grégory Rast (Astana). The UCI then had another sample taken on June 13th following his 144th place finish in the opening time trial of the Tour de Suisse.
Serrano, along with Igor Astarloa, Francesco de Bonis, Pietro Caucchioli and Rúben Lobato, was amongst the first biological passport cases reported. He was given a €23,100 fine on top of his suspension.