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Third doping case would end Katusha

By Susan Westemeyer

published 15 June 2009

McEwen says another dope case could end team

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Katusha: Could its debut season be its last? (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Katusha will close down if it has a third positive doping control this year, according to its sprinter Robbie McEwen.

Giro hopeful Pfannberger suspended by Katusha

Colom suspended for EPO positive

"It is serious with the team," McEwen told Sporza.be. "The sponsors want a signal."

The team has had two doping cases in the last few months. Christian Pfannberger tested positive for blood booster EPO in an out of competition control and Antonio Colom also tested positive for the same drug last week.

The cycling union (UCI) had targeted Colom based on his blood profile.

McEwen is currently recovering from a broken tibia stemming from a crash near in Tour of Belgium's second stage.

"I am now on my home trainer," he said. He hopes to be back riding on the road in a week. "If everything goes as smoothly as expected, then I can be fully training again in July. I would like to make my comeback at the criterium in Aalst [July 27]."

McEwen will miss all three Grand Tours this year. "I wanted to ride the Vuelta, but my team is not invited." Crashes forced his non-participation in the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France.