Now UCI has confirmed that Vuelta a España runner-up Ezequiel Mosquera and David Garcia Da Peña tested positive during the Spanish Grand Tour. WADA accredited laboratory in Köln found hydroxyethyl starch in their samples.

Both riders have requested an analyze of the B-sample, but such samples usually show the same thing.

The substance, hydroxyethyl starch increases the blood volume, allowing red blood cells to continue to deliver oxygen to the body. In other words, a substance that many dope-willing endurance athletes often seek.

The three doping cases today are obviously too sad. Today has truly been a black day for the sport of cycling. But it feels good to know that the anti-doping controls actually work.

This week, the World Championships are raced. Today's winner of the elite men's time trial, Fabian Cancellara, deserves more publicity. Instead, today will be remembered for this horridness.

Both riders risk to be barred from the sport for two years. But why did they dope?

The only explanation I can give, is that Xacobeo-Galicia has had trouble finding a new sponsor. The cyclists felt worried as they had to find a new squad but also felt obligated to help their team. Instead, they risk destroying the small chance that Xacobeo-Galicia had to continue.

“I’m dumbstruck. I’ve just been told and I’m surprised because in the team we are sure that this doping case is impossible. I’ve still not spoken with Ezequiel, but I will be trying to do so in the coming hours”, Xacobeo-Galicia's team manager Alvaro Pino said.

The 34-year-old Ezequiel Mosquera recently signed a two-year deal with Dutch squad Vacansoleil. Now the team will need a new rider, at least if Mosquera is suspended. If they don't hire someone else, it is likely that they won't race a Grand Tour next season, nor get ProTour status. And that would be too sad. I may be selfish, but I really want Sergey Lagutin to get the chance to race a Grand Tour again.

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