Oscar Sevilla claims innocence in doping charges
- By Agence France Presse
- Published Sep. 19, 2010
Spanish rider Oscar Sevilla inisted on Saturday that he was innocent of any wrongdoing after being suspended by cycling’s world ruling body for testing positive for a banned substance.
“I am waiting for official notification from the Spanish cycling federation after which I will study the affair with my lawyers,” the 34-year-old Sevilla told the El Tiempo newspaper.
“I am innocent. I feel frustration and rage.”
A statement from the UCI on Thursday said a urine sample from Sevilla showed “an adverse analytical finding of
hydroxyethyl starch (HES)” in tests at the WADA-accredited laboratory in Bogota.
HES, a banned substance, can be used as a blood plasma substitute.
The sample was collected when Sevilla, who has raced with the Kelme, Phonak, T-Mobile and Rock Racing teams throughout a colorful career, was racing at the Tour of Colombia on August 15.
“I don’t know how this substance entered my body. I don’t know of this substance. This is the first time I have heard of it since I have been in cycling.”
FILED UNDER: News / Road TAGS: doping / Oscar Sevilla