South African rider leaves Tour of Britain Women after adverse analytical finding in doping test

South African cyclist S’annara Grove abruptly withdrew from the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women on Friday following a positive doping test. The 32-year-old, a former South African road champion, was provisionally suspended by the International Testing Agency (ITA) after failing an adverse analytical finding (AAF) test for Ipamorelin, a prohibited peptide.

Grove, who secured victory in the South African National Championships road race last year, was set to ride for Smurfit Westrock, a British Continental squad. The sample was collected during the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, between July 23 and August 2, 2026. Ipamorelin, classified as S2 under the 2026 WADA Prohibited List, is prohibited at all times and is a non-specified substance.

Grove was informed of the case and, in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and UCI Regulations for Results Management, was issued a mandatory provisional suspension. She now has the opportunity to challenge the provisional suspension and request its withdrawal. The stage Grove missed was won by Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal), who took the lead in the race.