Victoria Baranova, the Russian track rider failed the pre-Olympic dope test for the testosterone and was sent home by her national federation. The UCI Spokesperson Enrico Carpani said, “It is the result of a test carried out by the IOC before the Games. She has admitted to taking a banned substance and was sent home two or three days ago”.
The 22 year old track rider was due to compete on August 3, 2012 in the women’s keirin competition but was sent home earlier this week. In July 24, 2012 Baranova failed an International Olympic Committee pre-Games drugs test in Belarus on July 24, 2012.
The international cycling union confirmed “She has admitted to taking a banned substance”. Carpani added, “We have been working closely with the IOC and we are very happy with this collaboration, which strengthens our fight against doping.”
A hearing was planned on August 3, 2012 but it was cancelled after Victoria admitted the violation. Mark Cavendish, the BBC Sport analyst and world champion said, “It is frustrating. Our sport has been dragged through a lot, really dragged through the mud. It is always in the spotlight.” Baranova has become the latest athlete to be expelled from London 2012 Olympics.
