We heard at 6:20 p.m. by an official announcement of the International Cycling Union that Steve Houanard has been tested positive for EPO on September 21st. We are obviously extremely shocked by this news. Therefore, we decided to immediately to push him aside from competition and we lay him off as a precautionary measure until the French National Federation opens disciplinary proceedings.

Vincent Lavenu said:  "It is with sadness that I heard this unfortunate news. Above all, I’m driven this evening by a strong feeling of anger because of important damages for the team and our sponsors. I want to reiterate our commitment to the biological passport and to the values upheld by the International Cycling Union.  We have full confidence in the competent authorities in their fight against doping. “