Mauro Santambrogio is expected to serve an 18-month ban after his positive test for EPO at last year’s Giro d’Italia.
Mauro Santambrogio (Fantini Vini – Selle Italia). Photo: Bettini Photo
He became the first Italian rider to confess to the UCI’s Cycling Independent Reform Commission (CIRC), according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Santambrogio was caught after his Vini Fantini-Selle Italia teammate Danilo Di Luca tested positive for EPO during the final week of the Giro d’Italia.
Santambrogio’s test was initially declared negative but further testing indicated he had taken a micro-dose of EPO.
He was never formally sanctioned for doping in Italy, but Gazzetta dello Sport claims his confession to the CIRC and the information he has supplied has helped him secure a reduction in his ban from a possible four years to 18 months.
It is not clear exactly what information Santambrogio gave to the CIRC.
Gazzetta dello Sport suggests he explained how and where he bought EPO and who sold it to him.
Santambrogio raced with LPR (2004-2006), Lampre (2006-2009) and BMC (2010-2012) before joining Vini Fantini and becoming team leader for the Giro d’Italia. – Cyclingnews
