The International Cycling Union (UCI) has announced the provisionally suspension of Vini-Fantini rider Mauro Santambrogio. The 28-year-old Italian tested positive for EPO (a banned blood-boosting hormone) on the first day of the Giro d’Italia before going on to win Stage 14. In a statement the UCI said: ‘The decision to provisionally suspend this rider was made in response to a report from the WADA-accredited laboratory in Rome indicating an adverse analytical finding of EPO in his urine sample collected at the Giro d’ Italia on 4th May 2013… The provisional suspension of Mr. Santambrogio remains in force until a hearing panel convened by the Italian Cycling Federation determines whether he has committed an anti-doping rule violation under Article 21 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules.’
Santambrogio is the second Vini-Fantini rider to test positive for EPO after Danilo Di Luca, who had already served a ban for blood-boosting at the 2009 Giro d’Italia, failed an out-of-competition test taken on April 29. Di Luca was sacked by the team and branded ‘an idiot’ by the Team Director. With the latest blow to the team – who competed in the Giro on a wildcard invitation – Vini Fantini boss, Luca Scinto, has told Italian website Tuttobiciweb.it that he fears for the future, commenting, ‘Everything’s finished, the whole project is finished… What do you want me to tell you, I’m distraught, I’m ruined.’