The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) advises that Greek rider Christos Volikákis has been notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) of LGD-4033 metabolite (1) by the International Testing Agency (ITA) on behalf of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This AAF results from the reanalysis of a sample collected on 16 August 2016 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.
This reanalysis occurred in the framework of the reanalysis programme led by the ITA on behalf of the IOC, focusing on samples collected during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. These reanalyses constitute an integral component of the comprehensive anti-doping programme conducted independently by the ITA on behalf of the IOC since 2018. They strengthen anti-doping endeavours by serving as an additional deterrent against doping and broadening the spectrum of potential rule violations identified beyond the initial sample analysis. The reanalysis programme enables further testing to be carried out based on updated information, notably thanks to investigations, or when detection methods evolve as a result of advances in scientific technology.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code, samples may be stored for 10 years following their collection (extended from eight years to 10 years after the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics), maintaining the same legal consequence in the case of reanalysis.
The rider has the right to request the analysis of his B sample.
As per the applicable rules (the IOC Anti-doping Rules – ADR – and the UCI Anti-doping Regulations – ADR), once the ITA has determined the consequences of the AAF under the IOC ADR, the matter will be referred to the UCI to determine what possible sanctions could be imposed over and beyond the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics under the UCI ADR.
Pending the outcome of the ITA proceeding and in accordance with the UCI ADR, the rider has been provisionally suspended.
The UCI will not comment on this case while proceedings are ongoing.
(1) LGD-4033 and its metabolites are Prohibited Substances listed under class S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents) of the Prohibited List which is maintained by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and adopted by the UCI.