UCI suspends Azerbaijani rider after positive crystal meth test
Artyom Proskuryakov (19) has been suspended for three years by the UCI. The international cycling union had already provisionally suspended the rider from Azerbaijan in November following a positive doping test during the recent Road World Championships in Rwanda. This test revealed traces of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth.
Proskuryakov was expected to be a prospect in 2026 but was still a junior last year. He competed in that category at the European Championships in France and the World Championships in Rwanda. Prior to the latter event, he tested positive (on September 23). On November 18, 2025, the UCI imposed a provisional suspension, though he still had the right to request the analysis of the B-sample.
The second test sample also came back positive. Therefore, the UCI is suspending him for three years. The suspension began on November 18, 2025, and will run until November 17, 2028.
Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a stimulant whose effects resemble those of amphetamine (speed) but with a stronger and longer-lasting impact than speed. This information is provided by the Trimbos Institute – the national Dutch knowledge center for mental health care, addiction treatment, and social care.
