French Cyclist Franck Bonnamour Receives Four-Year Doping Ban

French cyclist Franck Bonnamour has received a four-year ban from competitive cycling following an investigation into abnormal blood values, despite not testing positive for banned substances. The ruling, announced on Thursday, was issued by an independent tribunal and will keep the 30-year-old out of competition until February 2028.

The ban stems from findings related to Bonnamour’s athlete biological passport, a system that monitors biological markers over time to detect signs of doping. According to the International Cycling Union (UCI), Bonnamour’s passport indicated irregularities in 2022, the same year he competed in the Tour de France, where he finished the race.

Career Highlights and Retirement

Bonnamour’s most significant achievement came during the 2021 Tour de France, where he was awarded the title of the overall most combative rider. His performances have been well-regarded throughout his career, but he announced his retirement last year while the doping investigation was ongoing.

The UCI’s decision reflects an increasing commitment to combat doping in the sport of cycling, where integrity and fairness are paramount. Bonnamour’s case highlights the importance of rigorous monitoring systems like the athlete biological passport, which can identify potential doping without relying solely on traditional testing methods.

As the cycling community continues to grapple with issues related to performance-enhancing drugs, this ruling serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain a level playing field in the sport. Bonnamour’s ban is a significant development, impacting not only his career but also the broader context of competitive cycling.