Natnael to Inherit Tour of Turkey Win if Sayar Returned Positive for Doping

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Eritrean Cyclist Natnael Berhane (Europcar) who stood second in the 2013 Tour of Turkey might possibily be the automatic winner if Turkish winner Mustafa Sayar confirmed positive for doping test

A born climber, Natnael, after outclassing the rest of the field in the 2013 Tour of Turkey
A born climber, Natnael, after outclassing the rest of the field in the 2013 Tour of Turkey

By velonews.com,

Turkish rider Mustafa Sayar has been provisionally suspended after returning a positive doping test at the Tour of Algeria in March. Sayar (Torku Şeker Spor) won the overall at the Presidential Tour of Turkey in May and was second in Algeria, where he tested positive for EPO, according to cycling’s world governing body, the UCI.

The provisional suspension of Mr. Sayar remains in force until a hearing panel convened by the Turkish Cycling Federation determines whether he has committed an anti-doping rule violation under Article 21 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules,” said the UCI in a statement. Mr. Sayar has the right to request and attend the analysis of his B sample. Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the UCI is unable to provide any additional information at this time.”

If the adverse analytical finding is upheld, Sayar will face a two-year ban and lose his results after March 11, 2013 — the date of the positive test. Eritrean Natnael Berhane (Europcar) finished second at the Tour of Turkey and stands to inherit the race win.