"But sincerely I do not know the number of inhalations I have done. I take it every time I need it."

"I take salbutamol to treat asthma but there is nothing illegal in this," he said.

Piepoli, who won the 10th stage of the Giro last month, was one of three riders to record a 'non negative' result.

Fellow Italian Alessandro Petacchi, who won five stages, tested for salbutamol but also has a medical certificate to use the substance.

"We are calmly awaiting the analysis," Gianluigi Stanga, head of Petacchi's Milram team, told ANSA news agency.

"I have no reason for thinking Alessandro has done anything different from the past."

Spain's Iban Mayo tested for extra testosterone but is known to have naturally occurring high levels.

The UCI said tests from the Giro, which finished on June 3, were still being checked.

REUTERS