Probe into Henao blood readings

Colombian rider Sergio Henao has been withdrawn from competition by Team Sky for a second time to explore his blood readings.

The Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) contacted the 28-year-old, who has not failed a drugs test, over readings in his biological passport, Team Sky announced.

The biological passport is used to spot abnormal readings which could indicate the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Team Sky withdrew Henao from competition from March to July of 2014 to investigate the impact of altitude on his blood readings. Henao is an altitude native.

A statement on teamsky.com yesterday read: “Sergio has this week been contacted by the CADF with a request for more information with regards to readings on his athlete blood passport between August 2011 to June 2015. These include the same readings which prompted us to undertake further research in 2014.

“We continue to support Sergio and remain confident in the independent scientific research which was undertaken (in 2014).”

Team Sky say they will help Henao “make his case robustly”.

Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: “The physiology of ‘altitude natives’ is a complex area.”

Henao said: “I am beyond disappointed.

“I have worked incredibly hard to get back to racing fitness after shattering my knee last year, but I know who I am, how hard I have worked and the sacrifices I have made to be where I am today.

“I am calm and confident that this will be resolved soon so I can get back to racing as soon as possible.”