Patrick Schelling (open in new tab) of Israel's Startup Nation (open in new tab) tested positive for terbutaline and was banned for four months by the UCI for an "unintentional anti-doping rule violation."

The 30-year-old Swiss rider tested positive for the asthma drug on February 24 during the second stage of the Tour de Rwanda. His results from this eight-stage race were erased, but he was officially banned from May 18 to September 17, allowing him to return to racing nine days later.

The UCI announced that the case had been resolved by "acceptance of results" after authorities found that Schelling had no intention of violating the rules under the anti-doping code.

The same situation occurred four years earlier when Simon Yates tested positive for the same substance. Yates was also banned for four months for an "unintentional" rule violation.

In Schelling's case, he admitted to making a "mistake" in the use of terbutaline, regardless of the TUE. While a TUE is required for the use of terbutaline, certain other asthma medications can be used without a TUE up to a certain amount.

"I have suffered from asthma since childhood. It was an unintentional mistake to use an unapproved asthma spray. I would like to apologize to the authorities, the team, and the entire cycling family," Schelling said.

"It was never my intention to damage the image of cycling." "I regret my wrong actions and take full responsibility for my error in judgment."

Schelling may face further action from his employer, Israel Startup Nation.

Schelling joined the World Tour team this year after spending four years at the continental level with Team Vorarlberg.

"The ISN was unaware that Mr. Schelling had ingested this substance. We accept the sanctions imposed by the UCI in accordance with the anti-doping rules, and ISN will address these violations internally to ensure they are not repeated."

Terbutaline is used in inhalers to treat asthma and is listed as class S3 (beta2 agonist) on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list. Like other banned asthma medications such as salbutamol, terbutaline is a "specified" substance on the WADA list, and provisional suspensions are not mandatory; bans are only implemented and announced when a case is resolved.