Italian Cyclist Is Suspended After Failing Dope Test
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MAEBASHI, Japan — Italian cyclist Vincenzo Ceci may have wrecked his career by failing a dope test before the world cycling championships in Japan, his team chief said today.
“He is finished. I feel that he will not compete again,” Italian team head Giuseppe Antonini told Reuters.
Ceci, in his third year as a professional, will receive an automatic two-year ban.
The 27-year-old star was sent home by the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) after his pre-selection sample, taken in Italy, showed traces of the muscle-building hormone testosterone.
He had been a medal hope in the world championships, beginning today.
The FCI started random testing in 1989 after a recommendation from the Italian Olympic Committee, which also specified a two-year ban for a first offense.
The International Cycling Union lays down a three-month ban for amateurs, and a fine, warning and a suspended ban of up to three months for professionals caught for the first time.
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