Alex Beaudin (AG2R Citroën) was disqualified after testing positive for tramadol on stage 17 of the 2023 Giro d'Italia.

Tramadol is banned from in-competition use beginning March 2019, but a positive test for the painkiller does not constitute an anti-doping rule violation and Bodin can continue racing.

Tramadol is an opiate painkiller, and the Movement for Reliable Cycling (MPCC), of which Bodin's AG2R team is a member, had requested a ban as early as 2013 after reports of its widespread use in the peloton.

"On May 24, analysis of two dried blood samples provided by riders during stage 17 of the 2023 Giro d'Italia revealed the presence of tramadol and its two main metabolites.

"In accordance with UCI medical rules and after a thorough verification, the rider will be disqualified from the 2023 Giro d'Italia. This decision may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the next 10 days.

"Violation of the ban on the use of tramadol in competition is an offense under the UCI Medical Regulations. It does not constitute an anti-doping rule violation. As this is a first offense, Alex Bodin is not declared ineligible and may therefore participate in the competition."

"Alex Bodin is a 22 year old male athlete.

Bodin, 22, is in his first year as a professional and finished the Giro in 73rd place overall. His most recent appearance was at the San Sebastián Clasica on Saturday, where he finished 29th.

The UCI announced Monday that a total of 64 dried blood samples were collected and analyzed for traces of tramadol during the 2023 Giro.

Bodin became the second rider to be disqualified from a Grand Tour for tramadol use, following Nairo Quintana, who tested positive for the painkiller twice in last year's Tour de France and was stripped of his sixth place overall.

Quintana withdrew from the race after news broke about the tramadol at the Vuelta a España. He represented Colombia at the World Championships in Wollongong and finished third at the Colombian National Championships in February, but was unable to find a professional team.

Bodin was disqualified from the Giro for his first offense but not suspended; the second offense carries a five-month suspension and the third a nine-month suspension.