Scarponi and Katusha targeted in anti-doping operation
Lampre's Michele Scarponi and the headquarters of the Katusha team have been visited by Italian police as part of a widespread anti-doping operation.
Scarponi's team confirmed that the Nucleo Antisofisticazioni (NAS) yesterday visited their rider and searched his hotel room near Mount Etna, Sicily.
The Italian has been staying there as part of a team-organised altitude training camp, as he prepares for this year's Giro d'Italia.
Team Katusha handed over medical records to the Brescia NAS, who visited their Lake Garda headquarters.
They later confirmed that one of the five riders who had their records taken no longer rides for the team, and that they had "collaborated fully" with the NAS during the operation.
Lampre also released a statement, which insisted that nothing illegal was found during the search on Scarponi.
It read: Having received a message from the team's medical chief, Dr Guardascione, with the intention of guaranteeing the fullest transparency, the NAS has today (Thursday) carried out a search at the Hotel Corsaro di Nicolosi, in Etna, where Michele Scarponi is taking part in a training camp organised by the team.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
At the end of the operation, which was carried out in a climate of extreme cordiality and co-operation, the officers took away packets of a common anti-inflammatory (Oki), powdered milk, and Enervit bars.
Scarponi joined the team for 2011, having ridden for the Diquigiovanni-Androni since returning from an 18-month ban for his part in the Operación Puerto case.
Related links
Basso linked to Fuentes
Scarponi wins longest Giro stage
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
Nick Bull is an NCTJ qualified journalist who has written for a range of titles, as well as being a freelance writer at Beat Media Group, which provides reports for the PA Media wire which is circulated to the likes of the BBC and Eurosport. His work at Cycling Weekly predominantly dealt with professional cycling, and he now holds a role as PR & Digital Manager at SweetSpot Group, which organises the Tour of Britain.
-
Seventies star says Tadej Pogačar's long range attacks would never have been allowed in his day
The Slovenian might be the best today, but he isn't better than we were, the Belgian insists
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Treat yourself this Christmas with a huge £2000 off, on electric gravel bikes from Pearson Cycles
Deals
By Paul Brett Published