Nairo Quintana strongly denies using tramadol during the 2022 Tour de France, vowing to fight allegations leveled by the UCI.

The 32-year-old Colombian cyclist will take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

What happened?

Nairo Quintana tested positive for tramadol in two routine blood controls during the 2022 Tour de France.

The UCI announced the news on Wednesday, stating that Quintana's results will be stripped.

The opioid painkiller is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list, but its use is prohibited by the UCI during competition.

Why it matters for Nairo Quintana

Quintana's denial comes as he prepares to start the Vuelta a Espana on Friday with his French team Arkea-Samsic.

The team announced a three-year contract extension with Quintana just a day before the UCI's announcement.

Arkea-Samsic team officials said they "took note" of the situation, but refused to comment further.

What comes next?

Quintana will be allowed to continue competing and will not face a racing ban, as tramadol is not considered a formal anti-doping violation.

The UCI's medical team said controls revealed that Quintana used tramadol during the 2022 Tour, when he rode to his best result since 2019 with sixth overall.

Quintana's legal team will prepare his defense, and he will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Colombian cyclist is determined to clear his name and compete in the Vuelta a Espana, saying he will "give the maximum for my team, my country, and my followers".

Quintana's statement was released to Colombian media, and he emphasized his commitment to his team and fans.

The UCI's statement released on Wednesday announced the sanction, citing the presence of tramadol and its metabolites in Quintana's blood samples.

The samples were taken on July 8 and 13 during the 2022 Tour de France.

Quintana's case will be closely watched, as it raises questions about the use of tramadol in professional cycling.

The Vuelta a Espana is set to start on Friday, and Quintana is expected to be at the starting line, despite the ongoing controversy.