Mattia Gavazzi tests positive for cocaine for third time
Italian sprinter Mattia Gavazzi faces a lengthy ban after testing positive for cocaine for third time in his career
For the third time in 12 years, Italian rider Mattia Gavazzi has tested positive for cocaine, and has been provisionally suspended by his Amore & Vita-Selle SMP team.
The 32-year-old reportedly tested positive for the recreational drug in a test conducted after stage six of the Tour of Qinghai Lake last year. He won stages eight, 10, 11 and 13 in the race.
>>> Luca Paolini handed 18-month ban after Tour de France cocaine positive
Previously, Gavazzi was suspended for 14 months for taking cocaine in 2004, while racing as an amateur, and in 2010 he served a two-and-a-half year ban while racing for Colnago-CSF Inox for the same substance.
He made a comeback with Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela in 2013 and moved to Christina Watches in 2014, but was released after six months for his "behaviour outside of the sport", according to manager Bo Hamburger in an interview with Cycling Quotes, although he insisted it was not because of doping.
If Gavazzi's B-sample returns positive the Italian is likely to face a lengthy ban.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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
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.
-
Shimano RC703 road shoe review: sleek, stiff and robust
Shimano's second-tier offering combines a rigid carbon sole with handy Boa dials and protective toe caps
By Sam Gupta Published
-
Cycling computers are getting inexplicably big - how did it come to this?
The Wahoo Elemnt Ace is just the latest phone-sized bike computer, and it’s getting a bit silly
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