Katusha avoid UCI bans over failed drugs tests

Katusha have avoided an International Cycling Union (UCI) ban from competition despite two of the team's riders having failed drugs tests within a year.

Last week, Eduard Vorganov was provisionally suspended by the UCI after he tested positive for Meldonium from a sample taken on January 14 this year.

That followed Luca Paolini being excluded from last year's Tour de France when cocaine was found in a sample given during an in-competition test in July 2015.

Under UCI rules, a team can be banned for returning two failed drugs tests in the space of 12 months.

However, as Paolini's drug use was not deemed to be for performance-enhancing reasons, the UCI found the conditions for a suspension had not been met.

A statement from the body read: "With regard to the [Paolini case, it has been] established that the rider's taking of cocaine was not related to an intention to influence sporting performance, but was rather taken on a 'recreational' basis.

"The Union Cycliste Internationale announces that the president of the disciplinary commission has determined that: 'The conditions for a suspension of Team Katusha in application of art. 7.12.1 the UCI Anti-Doping Rules have not been met."