Neo-pro booted from Mercury-Viatel after EPO positive

Laurent Chotard was fired from the U.S.-based Mercury-Viatel squad today, May 31, after it was announced that the French neo-pro tested positve for EPO at the Tour of Romandie. The sample was taken during that race, held March 8-13. "We fully support any action taken by the French Cycling Federation and by the UCI and commend their efforts to improve our sport. Chotard's actions were of his own initiative and without the knowledge of any staff or team member and his removal from the team was immediate," Mercury team director John Wordin told VeloNews.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

By VeloNews Interactive

Laurent Chotard was fired from the U.S.-based Mercury-Viatel squad today, May 31, after it was announced that the French neo-pro tested positve for EPO at the Tour of Romandie. The sample was taken during that race, held March 8-13.

“We fully support any action taken by the French Cycling Federation and by the UCI and commend their efforts to improve our sport. Chotard’s actions were of his own initiative and without the knowledge of any staff or team member and his removal from the team was immediate,” Mercury team director John Wordin told VeloNews.

An American in France

What’s it like to be an American cyclist living in France? Watch to get professional road cyclist Joe Dombrowski’s view.

Keywords: