Belgian cyclocross racer Toon Aerts, 29, announced this Thursday in tears that the International Cycling Union (UCI) has suspended him for two years due to doping.tested positive for Letrozole, but maintained he was “innocent”.
“I received a letter from the UCI and it was not a pleasant letter. I will be suspended for two years,” the rider said at a press conference.
The International Cycling Union pointed out on February 16 that Aerts obtained “bad analytical results for the presence of Letrozole metabolites in a sample collected for an out-of-competition test” on January 19, 2022.
however, the UCI indicated in November that the cyclist would not be subject to a precautionary suspension until the whole procedure is over.
Aerts noted that the amount detected in his system was 2.4 nanograms per milliliter.
“I will do everything to prove my innocence“added the European cyclocross champion in 2016 and bronze in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 World Cups.
In principle, the Belgian cannot compete again until February 2024.
“I have a lot of uncertainty now, but one thing is certain: my second race will start on February 16, 2024 at the latest,” said the Baloise Trek Lions rider.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
