Riccardo Chiarini, who finished fourth overall in this year’s Absa Cape Epic with partner Roel Paulissen of Belgium (Team Torpado Factory), has tested positive for unusually high levels of EPO.
The former road professional was tested out-of-competition on May 7 this year by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The finding of excessive EPO (erythropoietin) was made in terms of the biological passport system.
Torpado, the Italian bicycle manufacturer and team sponsor, confirmed it had been informed of the positive test results and had suspended the rider with immediate effect pending any appeal.
The Absa Cape Epic last year introduced a zero tolerance approach to doping in terms of which anybody found guilty of an offence committed after December 31, 2012, would be banned from the event for life.
“As things stand, therefore, Chiarini is suspended from the Absa Cape Epic and will be given a lifetime ban if the finding is confirmed,” said Absa Cape Epic spokesperson Chris Whitfield.
Chiarini and Paulissen won stage five of the Cape Epic on their way to the fourth place overall.
