Stage 14 winner Santambrogio fails EPO test

ByReuters

Updated 03/06/2013 at 15:33 GMT

Italian Mauro Santambrogio has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for the banned blood booster EPO at last month's Giro d'Italia.

Mauro Santambrogio celebrates on the podium at this year's Giro d'Italia (Imago)

Image credit: Eurosport

The International Cycling Union said in a statement that Santambrogio, the second Vini-Fantini rider after Danilo Di Luca to fail a dope test at this year's Giro, had returned a positive urine sample after the first stage on May 4.

"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," the UCI added.

The 28-year-old Italian, who won the 14th stage of the Giro, can ask for his B sample to be tested.

Giro d'Italia