Carlos Barredo’s career is currently in limbo due to an inquiry into his blood values, with the Spaniard currently sidelined from racing pending the final outcome of that study.
His Rabobank team today issued a statement saying that he was questioned earlier this summer in relation to his biological passport between 2007 and 2011. He worked with the team in drawing up answers to the UCI’s questions and returned them prior to the deadline of July 24th.
“Those questions were informative, there is no procedure,” said Rabobank in its communication. “Carlos Barredo denies in a statement to Rabobank Cycling Team that he is involved in any doping-related cases or the use of banned substances. Rabobank gave him all the support and knowledge needed in providing the answers.”
The team said that it fully backs the biological passport and that it will follow all the necessary steps.
“This means that Barredo (who had some trouble from his broken ribs in the past period) will not ride any races until we have the UCI’s reaction….Rabobank Cycling Team looks forward to UCI's reaction to Barredo's answers with confidence.”
Barredo came under the media spotlight in May 2011 when l’Equipe published what it said was the UCI’s ‘Index of Suspicion’ in relation to the perceived doping risk of riders participating in the 2010 Tour de France.
Barredo and Yaroslav Popovych were ranked highest in that list, being listed as ten out of ten. The UCI criticised the publication of the list at the time and played down its significance.
The Rabobank team added that Barredo told them on Monday that the UCI’s conclusion is not expected to come until the second half of September. He will consequently be on the sidelines at least another month. The former Vuelta a España and Paris-Nice stage winner has not raced since the Critérium de Dauphiné, where he was 66th overall.
Under the biological passport system, values from riders are analysed by a panel of experts. If they raise questions about a rider’s profile, he is then contacted and given the chance to explain his blood values.
The panel considers the response and, depending on its conclusions, either decides to recommend disciplinary proceedings or to clear the rider. Barredo is therefore at an important crossroads.