SKY Clears Sergio Henao to Return to Racing

AFP/Yuzuru Sunada

June 11, 2014  – Colombian rider Sergio Henao, sidelined by Team Sky after questions over his blood values, has been cleared to return to competition in the Tour of Switzerland starting on Saturday. The 26-year-old climber was born at altitude in Rionegro and still lives and trains in the region.He was withdrawn from the race program in March as a precautionary step
as Team Sky sought a better understanding of his physiology and its reaction to altitude.

Team Sky said on Wednesday that the findings of scientific experts during a 10-week program had given “valuable new insights into the physiology of ‘altitude natives’ such as Colombian climbers. By taking this structured, scientific approach, we’ve gained a better understanding of his readings and specific physiology and valuable insights into the effects of altitude,” Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford said.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Sergio back to racing and are looking forward to having him at the Tour of Switzerland.Our approach has been fair to both the rider and the team, and whilst it was our decision to take him out of racing, it is also ours that he returns with our full backing. He’s done everything that’s been asked of him, kept his focus and fully
deserves to be racing.”