On May 11, 2020, Remy Di Gregorio (34), a French road bicycle racer, has been banned for 4 years by the International Cycling Union (UCI) for using a form of banned blood-boosting hormone EPO (Erythropoietin).
Key Points:
i.He had tested positive for the hormone during a long-distance trip from Paris to Nice during a doping test on March 8, 2018. His suspension starts from the date of the test so he will be suspended until 7 March 2022.
ii.In the earlier case during the 2012 Tour de France Di Grégorio, he was caught for suspicion of doping but later in 2013 he was released when the result turn out to be vitamins.
iii.After that, he was tracked for buying 100 needles and 80 syringes, which can be used to conceal doping. He was slapped with one-year suspended prison sentence and a fine amount of €2,000.
What is Erythropoietin?
It is a hormone which can increase endurance. It is injected under the skin and stimulates red blood cell production, which speeds up the delivery of oxygen to muscles.
About International Cycling Union (UCI):
Headquarters– Aigle, Switzerland
President– David Lappartient
