Photo via Cyclingnews

Polish rider Daria Pikulik receives backdated suspension for missing three anti-doping tests, but keeps Olympic medal

Daria Pikulik has accepted an 18-month ban from the International Testing Agency after failing to provide her whereabouts for testing on three occasions within a 12-month window. The suspension, which covers the period from December 9, 2024, through June 8, 2026, results in the nullification of her competitive outcomes during that timeframe.

Because the sanction began after the 2024 Paris Games, the Polish cyclist retains the silver medal she earned in the Omnium event.

Pikulik, who previously competed for Human Powered Health, acknowledged the administrative errors in a public statement. She cited an overwhelming workload as the primary reason for her failure to update the required tracking system.

Despite the penalty, she emphasized her history of clean testing throughout her professional career and expressed regret for the situation.

Up nextCycling· 1h ago

'I don't want to be just going through the motions' – Lachlan Morton in search of even more freedom as he departs EF Education to go it alone