It didn't suprise me that he ended up not riding the Vuelta, or that he's appealing this case. Arkea are longstanding members of the MPCC, which called for tramadol to be banned and claims to be "a whistleblower on corticosteroids, tramadol, stilnox and mechanical doping." So when the team's leading rider then tests postive for tramadol it's a difficult situation for both Nairo and the team.
He has the right to appeal and the process has to take its course. But if he can't get it overturned it'll be interesting to see what the team do (and I wonder whether there are clauses in their riders' contracts about complying with MPCC rules).
He has the right to appeal and the process has to take its course. But if he can't get it overturned it'll be interesting to see what the team do (and I wonder whether there are clauses in their riders' contracts about complying with MPCC rules).