Former Bardiani-CSF rider Nicola Ruffoni has failed to overturn his four-year doping ban.
The Italian tested positive for growth hormone on the eve of the 2017 Giro d’Italia and was sanctioned by the UCI in December.
Ruffoni, 27, filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but the case was dismissed.
The four-year ban will stand.
>>> Operation Puerto doping case may be closed without identities of 29 athletes being revealed
A statement from cycling’s governing body, published on Friday afternoon, said: “The UCI announces that the Court of Arbitration for Sport has dismissed the appeal filed by Mr Nicola Ruffoni against the decision rendered by the UCI Anti-Doping Tribunal on December 14, 2017.
“The CAS confirmed that Mr Ruffoni committed an anti-doping rule violation and upheld the four-year sanction imposed on him.
"The matter resulted from the analysis of a sample collected in the scope of out-of-competition control on April 25, 2017, which revealed the presence of GH-Releasing Peptides (GHRPs).”
>>> Former Trek-Segafredo rider André Cardoso banned more than a year after EPO positive
According to WADA the performance enhancing attributes of growth hormones include reduction of body fat, increase in muscle mass and strength, and tissue repair.
Ruffoni initially said that the presence of the banned hormone in his system could have been due to treatment for a prostate infection that he had suffered in March and April.
His suspension will expire on May, 3, 2021.
Ruffoni joined Bardiani in 2013 and rode for the professional continental outfit until he was banned last year.
He scored a win the Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli in 2016 and two stages of the Tour of Croatia in 2017.
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
-
-
USA Cycling pays tribute to champion cyclist killed in hit and run incident
25-year-old Jake Boykin killed in Tallahassee, Florida on 22 September after being struck by pickup truck
-
Over 8 million people have watched this TikTok video of a ‘Tour de France’ horse incident
The farm animal wasn't the last to make a cameo at a bike race
-
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
-
American cyclist Jackson ’Huntley’ Nash handed lifetime ban after doping violations
USADA hand down penalty after multiple offences discovered by investigation
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Former Vini Zabù rider banned for three years after testing positive at Giro d’Italia
A former Vini Zabù rider has been banned for three years after testing positive at the Giro d’Italia.
