After testing positive for CERA, a variant of EPO, in September 2024, Ilkhan Dostiyev (Astana Qazaqstan Development Team) admitted he used the banned doping substance en route to victory at the Tour of Romania. Now the UCI has handed down his punishment – a 4 year ban.

The Astana Qazaqstan Development Team also penalized the 22 year-old Kazakh by dropping him from their roster and severing all ties, while expressing complete shock.

“This news came as a shock and a disappointment to us, team sports director Alexandr Shushemoin told IDL Pro Cycling. “We trusted Ilkhan as one of the leaders of our team and had high expectations for him. Those expectations are now completely shattered.”

Although the team tried to itself from the doping scandal, Dostiyev is the fourth Astana Development Team rider to be banned for doping in recent years, following Artur Fedosseyev (20), Victor Okishev (25) Ilya Davidenok (27).

CERA or Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator is a newer form of EPO created to treat patients with kidney problems by increasing red blood cell production. Endurance athletes have long used the banned product illicitly to produce more red blood cells to increase an athletes VO2 and endurance.

Dostiyev is banned from participating in sport in any capacity until 8 September 2028.

Photo Credit: Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta

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