Luca Paolini handed 18-month ban after Tour de France cocaine positive

Luca Paolini is banned for 18 months by the UCI's Anti-Doping Tribunal for a 'non-intentional anti-doping rule violation'

Luca Paolini attacks in the 2015 Ghent-Wevelgem

(Image credit: Watson)

Nine months after he tested positive for cocaine at the Tour de France, Luca Paolini has been handed an 18-month ban by the UCI's Anti-Doping Tribunal.

The Italian rider, who was riding for Katusha at the time of his positive test, was withdrawn after stage seven of the Tour having tested positive for the recreational drug.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.