Anti-doping raid in Italy

Italian NAS anti-doping inspectors have intervened in a drug trafficking affair involving several cyclists and cycling-related persons on Wednesday, April 19. The police officers arrested seven suspects in their homes, including Daniele Masiani, directeur sportif of the Continental team OTC Doors-Lauretana, Leonardo Guidi, former professional and brother of Fabrizio, Michele Scotto d’Abusco of the Ceramica Flaminia team and Clemente Cavaliere of team Endeka.

In the search, several pharmaceutical products were seized, many of which are not allowed for sale in Italy. These products were reported to be Chinese and prohibited on the European market.

Meanwhile, Masiani has issued a statement suspending himself from the function of sports director for OTC Doors, saying that the affair regarded only himself and not the team. The decision was taken, according to Masiani, "in order not to harm the team and its riders which would undoubtedly be associated with the trial but have nothing to do with it."

Team Ceramica Flaminia has also reacted by suspending its rider Michele Scotto d’Abusco. The 23 year-old had been sacked before - in June last year when he was with Lampre - as blood test carried out by the UCI revealed abnormal values.