Italian amateur Gran Fondo scene struck with two EPO doping cases

Even though doping is nearly extinct at the highest level of cycling, isolated cases still emerge from time to time. This week, Italian amateur circuit was hit by two doping cases. In both cases, Gran Fondo riders tested positive for EPO. One of the riders in question had previously been suspended for four years for the same infringement.

This concerns 38-year-old Felice Giangregorio, who was caught using EPO for the first time in 2019 during an out-of-competition test. Earlier that year, he had become Italian champion in the Medio Fondo (in the men's 30-34 category), but had to relinquish that title. Furthermore, he was handed a suspension until November 14, 2023.

After his suspension run out, Giangregorio returned to racing with several top-ten finishes, but has now been caught again. He tested positive for EPO once more. He has been provisionally suspended pending the B sample. If the B sample also tests positive, Giangregorio likely faces a long suspension - typically 8 years without competition on a second conviction, but a lifetime ban could be in the play in case of an extremely serious offense.

The second Gran Fondo rider to be caught is Bartolomeo Campailla. The 37-year-old amateur cyclist from Sicily has been provisionally suspended following a positive test for EPO, Gran Fondo Daily News reports on its website. This is pending the full proceedings. Campailla has the right to request an analysis of the B sample. Only then will a ruling be issued in the case.