Other Sports

Italian rider Matteo Spreafico banned for three years for doping

MONSELICE, ITALY - OCTOBER 16: Start / Matteo Spreafico of Italy and Team Vini Zabu KTM / Cervia Village / Trofeo Senza Fine / Trophy / during the 103rd Giro d'Italia 2020, Stage 13 a 192km stage from from Cervia to Monselice / @girodiitalia / #Giro / on October 16, 2020 in Monselice, Italy. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images,)

Italian rider Matteo Spreafico has been banned for three years after failing two anti-doping tests during the Giro d’Italia in October, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said in a statement.

The 28-year-old, who rides for the Italian team Vini Zabu, failed two tests for the banned steroid ostarine during last year’s Giro and has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained at the race.

The UCI said that Spreafico’s ban was backdated and effective until Oct. 21, 2023.

In April, Vini Zabu were suspended for a period of 30 days after two of their riders tested positive for banned substances in a 12-month period.

Following Spreafico’s failed tests, teammate Matteo De Bonis tested positive in March for the banned blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO).

The positive tests led to the team withdrawing from this year’s Giro with the wild card entry going to Italian cycling outfit Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec.

Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is the lead Combat Sports writer for AfroBallers. He is an expert in Boxing, Mixed Martial Art and Wrestling reportage. Isaac is a journalist with newfound love for athlete management and digital media.

    You may also like

    Leave a reply

    More in Other Sports