Alexander Kolobnev: I don’t know how the forbidden substance got inside my body

The Russian cyclist Alexander Kolobnev, who tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, said he didn’t know how the forbidden substance has got inside him.

«Yesterday, during the day of rest at the Tour de France, I was informed that I had tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide during the doping test. I don’t know how this substance has got inside my body. Now I’m waiting for detailed information and I have nothing to tell about this case because of my respect for the organizers and cycling in general. The French police haven’t found anything suspicious in our hotel, therefore, we are waiting for the results of the investigation.

«When the team’s management asked me what I wanted to do I decided to withdraw from the race – it was my personal and voluntary decision. I expect the results of test B to be announced within the next few days and I want to show my respect for the UCI and WADA rules. I’d like to mention that my team supported me from the very beginning of this story and my contract wasn’t terminated despite some media reports,» Kolobnev said in the statement to his official website.