Another one bites the dust... Team Topsport-Vlaanderen fired Iljo Keisse on Monday, following the official notification that the Belgian rider's B sample had come back positive. The Six-Day rider tested positive for two substances, cathine and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), at the Gent Six Day Race the end of November.

Cathine: Closely related to ephedrine, cathinone and other amphetamines, it may contribute to the stimulant effect of Catha edulis, although another constituent, cathinone appears to show stronger activity. Cathine is one of the optical isomers of phenylpropanolamine, an appetite suppressant and decongestant which is possibly associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. An appetite suppressant, so probably useful in keeping your weight down. Also a stimulant, so it may make you more aggressive and motivated.

HCTZ:Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the thiazide class of diuretics, acting on the kidneys to reduce sodium (Na) reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule. This increases the osmolarity in the lumen, causing less water to be reabsorbed by the collecting ducts. This leads to increased urinary output. A blood thickener and a diuretic; hard to see much benefit for a cyclist... unless of course it helps get other drugs out of the system before a blood test.