UCI gives Team Sky's Sergio Henao bio passport all-clear

The UCI says there is no basis to take action against Team Sky's Sergio Henao following concerns about his biological passport values.

The Colombian, aged 28, was withdrawn from competition in April after the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation asked him to explain his data from August 2011 to June 2015.

Henao, who had previously been stood down from racing in 2014 by Team Sky while they examined his biological passport values, said in April he was "beyond disappointed" at the latest episode.

His withdrawal from racing in 2014 followed a winter training block in his native country, with Team Sky commissioning a report into the specific issues affecting so-called "altitude natives" which suggested those explained his values.

When the CADF requested further information in April, Team Sky said: “The readings which prompted us to undertake our investigation were down to his physiology. We believe that research explained those readings – it’s just who Sergio is, what his physiology is, and how it is replicated in his blood passport.”

Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford added:  “The physiology of ‘altitude natives’ is a complex area.”

“The science is limited and in recent years we have proactively sought to understand it better by undertaking detailed scientific research. We recognise why the CADF have raised this issue as it is one we have obviously raised ourselves.”

“The physiology of ‘altitude natives’ is a complex area. The science is limited and in recent years we have proactively sought to understand it better by undertaking detailed scientific research.

"We recognise why the CADF have raised this issue as it is one we have obviously raised ourselves.”

In its statement released today which confirmed no action would be taken against Henao, the UCI said:

On 20 April 2016, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athlete Biological Passport(ABP) Operating Guidelines, the independent experts of the Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) in Lausanne, Switzerland, requested further information from Sergio Henao about his ABP values. As per the applicable ABP regulations, the rider’s explanations were sent to the same experts for review. After examination, the independent experts came to the conclusion that there was no basis to proceed further.

In light of the confidential nature of the information concerned, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) are not in a position to comment further.