Published December 18, 2014 01:13PM
MPCC releases 2015 watch list of member teams
Movement for Credible Cycling announced a list of six teams that may face self-suspension if their riders fail anti-doping tests in 2015
Maxim Iglinskiy and his brother Valentin tested positive for EPO in late 2014, resulting in Astana's decision to temporarily self-suspend, per MPCC rules. Photo: Tim De Waele | <a href="http://tdwsport.com" target="_blank">TDWsport.com</a>
The Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC), which represents 78 percent of UCI WorldTour and Pro Continental teams, issued a statement Thursday that summarized the standing of seven teams. Six of the listed teams will face voluntary suspension, according to MPCC rules, if one or more of their respective riders fail an anti-doping test.
Androni Giocattoli will have to suspend itself for a week if one of its riders violates anti-doping rules before May 30, 2015.
Astana WorldTour will have to suspend itself for four weeks if one of its riders violates anti-doping rules before August 1, 2016.
Colombia will have to suspend itself for one week if one if its riders violates anti-doping rules before January 22, 2015.
Lampre-Merida will have to suspend itself for one week if one of its riders violates anti-doping rules before May 21, 2015.
RusVelo will have to suspend itself for four weeks if one of its riders violates anti-doping rules before March 17, 2015.
Neri Sottoli will have to suspend itself for one week if one of its riders violates anti doping rules before August 7, 2015. This team is suspended from MPCC until the next annual general meeting, planned on October 2015.
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Additionally, MPCC noted that Astana Continental, currently suspended by Kazakhstan’s federation, will have to suspend itself for five weeks if it elects to return to competition.
The MPCC self-suspension process is contingent upon the result of a B sample analysis, or an admission of guilt by the rider.
Riders and teams must also comply with WADA and UCI rules, which are binding, but the MPCC relies on teams’ voluntary participation when it comes to sanctions and suspensions.
Member teams also agree that, “in case of an ongoing disciplinary prosecution, a rider will be evicted immediately from a race, in order to prevent cycling’s image and credibility to be jeopardized.”