Astana Qazaqstan Development Team statement regarding Ilkhan Dostiyev

The UCI Continental team Astana Qazaqstan Development Team has been informed of a possible anti-doping rule violation by Kazakh rider Ilkhan Dostiyev. According to the information received, in sample A, taken out of competition on July 30, 2024, a substance listed by WADA has been found.

Upon being notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding, the rider admitted to using the banned substance, providing explanations to the team and the UCI. Ilkhan Dostiyev was immediately suspended, and his contract was terminated.

“This news came as a shock and disappointment to us. We trusted Ilkhan Dostiyev as one of the team’s leaders and we had great expectations for him, which are now completely shattered. After receiving the information, we promptly contacted the rider and demanded an explanation, which Dostiyev provided, also expressing full willingness to cooperate with the UCI and anti-doping authorities. I can state with absolute certainty that Astana Qazaqstan Development Team has no connection to this incident. Our team adheres to a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy, we work continuously with the riders and do our best to ensure that athletes understand not only the consequences of using doping but also the absurdity of attempting to violate anti-doping rules. Given that Dostiyev has admitted to the anti-doping violation, the rider has been suspended from racing, and his contract has been immediately terminated. We are now cooperating fully and openly with all organizations involved to clarify all the details of what happened”, – commented Alexandr Shushemoin, Head Sports Director of Astana Qazaqstan Development Team.