What is tramadol? Explaining pro cycling's ban on the potent painkiller

Tour de la Provence 2022 7th Edition 2nd stage Arles Manosque 1806 km 12022022 Nairo Quintana COL Team Arkea Samsic photo Roberto BettiniSprintCyclingAgency2022
Nairo Quintana is the first positive case for tramadol in cycling (Image credit: Roberto Bettini/SprintCyclingAgency)

On Wednesday, 17 August 2022 Nairo Quintana became the first professional cyclist to be sanctioned for using the opioid painkiller tramadol in competition. 

The case is unique in that the UCI rules, in force since March 2019, exceed those of the World Anti-Doping Agency in banning Tramadol. 

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.