On the one hand, an inflexible and determined team. On the other, a runner proclaiming his innocence. Franck Bonnamour, provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on February 5 for “abnormalities in his biological passport”, spoke on Tuesday on social networks.
“The Decathlon-AG2R team notified me yesterday of my dismissal with immediate effect,” said the Frenchman. I have always done my job respecting the rules that the International Cyclist Union (UCI) imposes on me. I have always complied, of course, with the numerous anti-doping controls that this sport has required of me for years. I have never used prohibited products or any blood manipulation. »
Former rider of the B&B Hôtels team, with which he notably obtained the title of “super-combative” of the Tour de France in 2021, Franck Bonnamour joined his new formation at the start of the 2023 season. In January, he participated in Australia, in the Down Under tour.
As the Decathlon-AG2R team recalled on February 5, the UCI’s decision “is based on checks carried out before his arrival in the team on January 1, 2023.” According to our information, the checks in question relate to a period between 2016 and 2022.
Send a message of total firmness
The French team, which did not dismiss Franck Bonnamour but carried out an early termination, the rider being on a fixed-term contract, was stunned on February 5 during the UCI press release. If, according to her, it is entirely logical that she was not warned in advance by the international body, she nevertheless criticizes Franck Bonnamour, who was aware of the irregularities noted and of the procedure, of not having informed his future employer. A form of disloyalty that goes badly. Especially since the recruitment of the runner was a result of the financial problems of B&B Hotels.
After the UCI’s revelation, Décathlon-AG2R launched an investigation which would reveal “several failings” on the part of Bonnamour. In reality, the new structure is especially keen to send a message of total firmness on the theme: “when in doubt, we no longer compromise”. Thus breaking with a still fresh precedent.
The previous Alex Baudin
Last July 31, disqualified by the UCI for the presence, during a check on May 24 on the 17th stage of the Giro, of Tramadol, a painkiller banned by the UCI but not appearing on the list of products prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the young 22-year-old Savoyard Alex Baudin had been sidelined and deprived of salary by the French team then reinstated on January 1, 2024. He also finished second in the Grand Prix La Marseillaise on January 28 last January.
“Perhaps our leaders now want to stop letting anything go, precisely because we were humane towards Alex,” said a member of the team. In any case, that’s how we receive the message. »
Franck Bonnamour will therefore have to defend himself. “With the help of my lawyers and scientists, we are working on my defense,” he added Tuesday. I have always been an honest, upright and clean runner and therefore cannot be accused of cheating. »
