Rowe’s back in the saddle for big French test

CARDIFF cyclist Luke Rowe will return to action today when he lines up in the Team Sky squad for the Critérium du Dauphiné (June 5-12), writes Gareth Griffiths.

Rowe will line up in an eight man squad alongside Tour de France champion Chris Froome, Sergio Henao, Ian Stannard, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikal Landa, Wout Poels and Salvatore Puccio.

Geraint Thomas is set to be part of the Tour de Suisse later this month (June 11-19).

In line with Team Sky policy, Henao was voluntarily withdrawn from racing after he was contacted by the UCI about his ABP several weeks ago.

Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: “We are pleased but not surprised by this outcome. We have always believed in Sergio and he has always had our full support.

“This decision obviously means he can now get back to racing and I am sure he will be ready to make a big contribution to the team during the rest of the season.

“What this process has highlight- ed is the gap in research regarding the physiology of athletes like Sergio who are born and raised at altitude and who continue to spend prolonged periods of time living at altitude.

“This is something I am sure that the anti-doping authorities will want to look at further in the interests of clean competition but also in the in- terests of others like Sergio.”

Henao added: “I am happy that this is finally over.

“It’s been a difficult period for me but I know I have done nothing wrong, so I was confident that the UCI would eventually come to this decision.

“I am looking forward to getting back on the team and racing.”