Mathias Flückiger out of MTB European championships due to doping violation

This article originally appeared on Velo News

Mathias Fluckiger was pulled from Friday’s European cross country mountain bike championships due to a doping violation. The Swissman is reported to have tested positive for anabolic steroid Zeranol.

Fluckiger was set to provide fierce opposition to Tom Pidcock in Friday’s European competition after he placed second to the British rider in the Tokyo Olympics last summer.

Fluckiger is currently under investigation by national anti-doping agency Swiss Sport Integrity.

The 33-year-old was scheduled to lead his team into the Munich race Friday but was pulled Thursday after discovery of an infraction dating back to the Swiss championships in June.

“The Swiss Sport Integrity Foundation confirms that there is an ongoing investigation against Mathias Fluckiger for a potential anti-doping rule violation. However, Swiss Sport Integrity cannot provide any further information on the content for reasons of protection of personality rights. Further information will follow once the case is closed,” stated the doping authority Thursday.

Zeranol is widely used to accelerate growth in livestock and appears on the WADA prohibited list classified under “Other Anabolic Agents.”

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