Russian sprinter Denis Galimzyanov has admitted using EPO prior to his positive test on March 22nd, and has waived his right to have the B sample analysed.
His Katusha team has released a written admission it says was completed by the rider, in which he speaks about the matter and apologises to the squad and his fans.
The statement also underlines that he acted independently of the team.
It comes one day after the UCI revealed that Galimzyanov had tested positive for EPO in an out of competition examination.
A scanned copy of the statement has been sent to VeloNation, and reads as follows:
Letter of explanation
I, the undersigned Denis Galimzyanov, rider of Katusha Team, want to clear up the current matter with my positive doping tests. On March 22, 2012, being in Italy, I received a visit from antidoping control officers in an out of competition time. A month later, a urine sample taken during that visit indicated EPO.
I recognize a fact of banned substance usage.
I fully realized what I did.
I deeply regret about what happened, and I apologize to the whole team and my teammates, along with my fans whom I disappointed.
I am ready to suffer an appropriate punishment.
I would like to draw A PARTICULAR ATTENTION for that fact that Katusha Team has nothing to do with what happened. No team member knew and could know about what I did. It was my personal decision and my responsibility.
I refuse my right to request and attend the analysis of my B sample.
---
Under UCI rules, Galimzyanov’s admission means that he is now officially suspended from racing and no longer part of the Katusha team. He is facing ban of two years or longer; the UCI stated in the past that it favoured the doubling of standard bans.
Katusha stated earlier today that he had been suspended by its management until such time as the Russian Cycling Federation held a hearing on the matter.
It called on him to cooperate with those investigating the matter. “The Katusha Team strongly recommends the rider to provide a full assistance with authorized anti-doping bodies,” it stated.