Bardiani-CSF could face 12-month ban after third rider tests positive, blaming his mother's diuretic pill
Michael Bresciani tests positive for diuretic after his first race as a professional
The whole of the Bardiani-CSF team could be banned for up to a year a third rider on the team has tested positive for banned substances within a 12-month period.
After Stefano Pirazzi and Nicola Ruffoni both tested positive for a form of human growth hormone in late April, and now Michael Bresciani, a 22-year-old rider who was recruited by the team in June as a replacement for Pirazzi and Ruffoni, has also tested positive for a banned substance.
Bresciani tested positive for the banned diuretic Furosemide in an out-of-competition test the day after the Italian National Championships on June 26, his first race as a professional rider and his first race for the team. The UCI confirmed that both the A and B samples had tested positive.
Due to the nature of the substance, Bresciani has not been provisionally suspended by the UCI, but has agreed to an internal suspension with the Bardiani-CSF team.
>>> Stefano Pirazzi given four-year ban for positive drugs test ahead of Giro d'Italia
This is Bardiani-CSF's third positive test within a 12-month period, meaning that the team will face a ban of between 15 days and 12 months, having already served a 30-day ban after the Pirazzi and Ruffoni's positive tests.
As for Bresciani, the young rider is confident that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing, saying that the positive test must have been caused by the contamination of his food by his mother's diuretic tablet.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I know I have done nothing wrong," Bresciani told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "The problem is that my mother takes Lasix for meals. In splitting the tablet, a few pieces might have got somewhere in my plate.
"The UCI is investigating the case and has not yet issued the verdict, but I do not think I can be punished for anything other than neglect."
Under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, athletes adhere to the principle of strict liability, which means that an athlete is responsible for banned substances found in their body, "whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally used a prohibited substance or was negligent or otherwise at fault".
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
I'm about to turn 40 - how can I keep riding fast?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
By Charlie Graham-Dixon Published
-
Life Time Grand Prix to have fewer riders and wild cards in 2025
The flagship US gravel series has confirmed the six races that will be a part of the competition next year
By Adam Becket Published
-
Irish Continental level professional cyclist suspended after EPO positive
Jesse Ewart, who rode for Terengganu Cycling, has been banned until 2027
By Adam Becket Published
-
Convicted EPO doper Jarlinson Pantano returns to cycling with Colombian EPM team
Former Trek-Segafredo and IAM Cycling rider rejoins peloton after his four-year band expires
By Adam Becket Published
-
American cyclist Jackson ’Huntley’ Nash handed lifetime ban after doping violations
USADA hand down penalty after multiple offences discovered by investigation
By Adam Becket Published
-
Guillaume Martin: The big question is this grey area of ketones
The Frenchman says he is in favour of banning ketones for reasons of fairness
By Jonny Long Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe doesn't share Arnaud Démare's concerns over performance products used in the peloton
The Frenchman also says he 'won't be shouting from the rooftops' when he eventually decides to compete for the Tour de France yellow jersey
By Jonny Long Published
-
US amateur rider handed four-year doping ban after winning cat three race
The 49-year-old was tested after his win in the Arizona State Championships this summer
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
David Lappartient: Riders are sharing rumours of new doping techniques, they feel there is a gap
"Man is limitless in the imagination to cheat," the UCI President said
By Jonny Long Published
-
UK Anti-Doping's case against Richard Freeman paused after doping doctor appeals tribunal verdict
UKAD will resume proceedings against Richard Freeman after his High Court appeal
By Jonny Long Published