Two Bardiani-CSF cyclists suspended for failed doping tests

Updated 04/05/2017 at 21:17 GMT

Two cyclists from the Bardiani-CSF team have been suspended by the UCI for failing a doping test on the eve of the 100th Giro d'Italia.

Italian Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani-CSF) celebrates his victory as he crosses the finish line of the 17th stage of the 97th Giro d'Italia, Tour of Italy, cycling race from Sarnonico to Vittorio Veneto on May 28, 2014 in Vittorio Veneto.

Image credit: Getty Images

Just hours before the first Grand Tour of the season, Stefano Pirazzi and Nicola Ruffoni were notified by the UCI that there were adverse findings for growth hormones in out-of-competition samples collected last month.

The governing body released a statement confirming the news which means the Italian team will now start with only seven riders as it is too late to replace the duo.

Piazzi, 30, won the mountains classification in the 2013 Giro, while Ruffoni, 26, won two stages in the Tour of Croatia last month.

Giro d'Italia

Giro Classics: ‘I had good legs but I knew it was going to be difficult’ - Quintana on 2019 ITT

00:07:46

24/05/2020 at 22:39

Bardiani said in a statement that it "intends to proceed with the immediate suspension of the riders from the squad present in the Giro d'Italia" and from all cycling activities.

The team added that the riders will be immediately dismissed if the positive results are confirmed.

"We retain the possibility of further action to protect our image and that of our sponsors," added Bardiani.

Additional reporting from Reuters

Giro d'Italia

Froome on brink of famous Giro triumph as Nieve wins Stage 20

26/05/2018 at 19:49

Giro d'Italia

Yates in big trouble as Froome attacks on Colle delle Finestre

25/05/2018 at 13:51

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me