Investigation into the presence of Armstrong’s doping doctor in Volta a Catalunya | NOW

The international cycling union UCI has launched an official investigation into the possible presence of Pedro Celaya in the Volta a Catalunya. The Spanish doctor, who worked for Lance Armstrong’s team in the past, has been suspended for life for doping violations.

Two witnesses report to Cyclingnews that they saw Celeya on Tuesday at the second stage of the Volta a Catalunya. That was an individual time trial with start and finish in Banyoles.

Celaya was banned for eight years by the US anti-doping agency USADA in 2014 for his involvement in doping use with US Postal, Armstrong’s squad. On appeal, the sentence was increased to life imprisonment by the international sports tribunal CAS in 2018.

“The UCI is aware of reports of the presence of Mr. Pedro Celaya in the Volta a Catalunya”, the international cycling federation said. Cyclingnews know. “All information has been transferred to the ITA Cycling Unit, which will investigate the matter further.” The ITA Cycling Unit was created on January 1 of this year to combat doping violations in cycling.

Witnesses saw Celaya talking to riders and team workers

During his lifelong suspension, Celaya is not prohibited from attending cycling races as a spectator. According to witnesses Cyclingnews the doping doctor spoke to riders, team employees and even doping controllers and went into the ‘paddock’ closed to the public, where the team buses are parked. One of the witnesses provided photos as evidence.

The penultimate stage of the Volta a Catalunya will be held on Saturday. INEOS rider Adam Yates wears the leader’s jersey in the Spanish stage race.

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