President of the Cycling Association Emil Moreno told us he cannot make any comment because there is a very strict procedure to follow. He added that failing to give the rider due process could jeopardize the Association's right to take disciplinary action. In this case disciplinary action would most likely include a ban and stripping Perez of his title, in which place it would go to the second place finisher, Venezuelan Wilmen Bravo.

But, we are a long way from even the possibility of that happening. First, everything depends on whether Perez and his team choose to fight the case. If they do that would mean sending the B sample for a test and also doing another test called a carbon isotope test which would conclusively determine what type of banned substance the first test came up positive for. Gough indicated that it is too early to know whether they will fight it and that will depend on further communication with Perez - and whether he sticks to his position that he did not take any banned substance.

As we understand the procedure Sugar City and Perez have 72 hours to make the decision whether they will appeal the finding or accept it. Gough told us, quote, "While he rode for us; he is not a local member of our team; we have no idea what he does when he is not here." He told us that whether or not he chooses to do the second test, quote: "he is positive; if he refuses he is still positive."