Kazakh rider Ilkhan Dostiyev has tested positive for CERA. According to a statement from his team, the 22-year-old’s A sample, taken out of competition on July 30, showed evidence of CERA. CERA (Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator) is a synthetic form of erythropoietin designed to enhance red blood cell production and improve endurance, often used in doping by athletes. It was considered the next-gen version of EPO, and several riders tested positive for it in the late 2000s.
Cyclists who tested positive for CERA include Riccardo Riccò, who was caught using the substance during the 2008 Tour de France and faced a subsequent ban. Bernhard Kohl, also involved in the 2008 Tour de France, was stripped of his results due to CERA use. Christophe Moreau was another cyclist implicated in the CERA scandal, though he denied knowingly using the substance.
In the team statement, Astana said that upon being notified of an adverse analytical finding, the rider admitted to using the banned substance and provided explanations to the team and the UCI. Dostiyev was immediately suspended, and his contract was terminated.
Astana responds to positive
“This news came as a shock and disappointment to us. We trusted Ilkhan Dostiyev as one of the team’s leaders and had great expectations for him, which are now completely shattered. After receiving the information, we promptly contacted the rider and demanded an explanation, which Dostiyev provided, also expressing full willingness to cooperate with the UCI and anti-doping authorities. I can state with absolute certainty that Astana Qazaqstan Development Team has no connection to this incident.
The statement went on to say that the team adheres to a “zero-tolerance” policy.
“We work continuously with the riders and do our best to ensure that athletes understand not only the consequences of using doping but also the absurdity of attempting to violate anti-doping rules. Given that Dostiyev has admitted to the anti-doping violation, the rider has been suspended from racing, and his contract has been immediately terminated. We are now cooperating fully and openly with all organizations involved to clarify all the details of what happened,” Alexandr Shushemoin, head sports director of Astana Qazaqstan Development Team said.
A solid year for Dostiyev
In 2024, Dostiyev achieved notable results, including 2nd place in the General Classification at the Turul Romaniei and the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta – Mont Blanc. He also secured a stage win at the Orlen Nations Grand Prix and earned multiple podium finishes, with 2nd place in two stages at the Tour du Rwanda and another 2nd place in a stage at the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta – Mont Blanc. Additionally, he achieved 3rd place in two stages of the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta – Mont Blanc.
The Astana Qazaqstan Development Team is a Continental feeder team for the WorldTour team Astana Qazaqstan. The team is run by former pro cyclist Alexandre Vinokourov. Vinokourov was caught blood doping during the 2007 Tour de France, which led to the Astana team withdrawing from the race. He served a two-year suspension and returned to cycling in August 2009, first racing for the Kazakhstan national team before rejoining Astana.
He went on to win gold at the 2012 Olympic Games. After retiring, he began working as a staff member for Astana before being fired right before the Tour de France in 2021, which led to Giuseppe Martinelli and Steve Bauer running the team. (Bauer has since left Astana and works at Israel – Premier Tech.)
Vinokourov has since returned as team principal.
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