Dutch team left in an unfortunate position after Galician rider tests positive at Vuelta
On September 21st, Dutch professional continental team, Vacansoleil, announced the signing of the Vuelta 2nd place overall finisher, Ezequiel Mosquera. It seemed a perfect match - Mosquera's ascension to the small elite group of the world's best climbers was complete, and his overall possibilities in the Grand Tours were unquestioned. Along with Riccardo Ricco, Vacansoleil would have two of the world's best climbers in their ranks, and hopefully, with their signings, the big invitations would resume.
Today, however, the bad news came in a tidal wave. Ezequiel Mosquera was confirmed by the UCI to have tested positive for hydroxyethyl during the final stage of the Vuelta.
The reaction from Vacansoleil's manager, Daan Luijkx? Frustration.
"I am unpleasantly surprised. We have a zero tolerance policy according to anti-doping regulations," says Luijkx in regards to the Galician rider who was set to officially join the team on January 1st.
The Vacansoleil press release calls Mosquera's contract into question, but doesn't officially end it at this point: "This contract is now up for discussion."
Luikx's unpleasant surprise will not result in any immediate action, as he and the team will now wait for more information: "…all facts need to be clear to us."
"If this proves true, then it's obviously terrible...If everything turns out true, then we will obviously immediately terminate the agreement," said Luikx on the Dutch portal foknieuws.
The prospects of Mosquera don't look good, but even worse, Riccardo Ricco is once again in the news, as reports indicate that suspicious pills were seized from Ricco's house in Italy. If something ill comes of the Ricco search and Mosquera's positive goes through to suspension, Vacansoleil will be left reeling and in an even worse position than they were in 2010 - race organizers will likely not be keen to hand over a Wild Card to a team that signed two dopers at the end of the 2010 season.