16 April 2026
The ITA reports that a sample collected during an out-of-competition testing mission conducted by the ITA on 30 March 2026 from Bálint Makrai, a rider from Hungary, has returned an AAF1 for metandienone metabolite.
Metandienone is prohibited under the 2026 WADA Prohibited List as S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). It is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is a non-specified substance. Metandienone is a potent anabolic steroid which increases testosterone levels, causing muscle-mass growth, endurance and strength.
The rider has been informed of the case and has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample.
If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A-sample, the case will be considered as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. If the B-sample analysis is not requested, the case will also go ahead as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The rider will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result.
Further, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and Article 6.2.1 of the UCI Regulations for Results Management, a mandatory provisional suspension has been imposed on the rider. The rider has the right to challenge the provisional suspension and ask for its lifting.
Pursuant to the UCI’s delegation of its anti-doping program to the ITA, the prosecution of the case is being handled entirely by the ITA. Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments made.