As the WorldTour team Sky announced today, the Colombian Sergio Henao has been canceled from further race planning for the time being. The reason given by the team was abnormal values in an internal test. “Our last monthly check raised a few questions for our experts in Sergio's case. He was controlled at altitude, as the anti-doping authorities have been requiring since this winter. We need to better understand his readings”, Dave Brailsford, Sky team manager, commented on the situation.
“We called the key institutions – the UCI and the CADF – and asked for their help in interpreting the values. Meanwhile, Sergio have been taken out of the race planning. We would like [...] be fair. It is important not to jump to conclusions.”
Henao comes from the city of Rionegro, which is over 2000 meters above sea level. According to the team, he prepared for the season here during the winter months. The said test was taken at that time. "He comes from on high, [...] but we have limited knowledge as to the profiles and stats of riders in his case in terms of training in those regions.”
"Independent experts will seek to use WADA laboratories to verify the data we are providing to them as well as to WADA, UCI and CADF."
Henao is not scheduled to compete in races for the next eight weeks. The team then expects answers that should lead to a further decision in this case. The Colombian has been driving for the British team around tour winners Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome since 2012. Last year he won the team time trial of the Giro d'Italia with Sky and also finished second at Fleche Wallone.