Fertonani tests positive

Caisse d'Epargne rider Marco Fertonani, who is not part of the Tour de France team, is currently awaiting the decision of the Italian antidoping authorities after he returned a positive for testosterone. His team suspended him on a provisional basis pending the outcome of the CONI decision. Fertonani, who finished fourth in the Tour Méditerranéen tested positive in February at the time of the race.

The 31 year-old Italian was informed of his result in mid-April and voluntarily ceased racing at that time. His team stated that they "respected the presumption of innocence" but suspended him in compliance with the ProTour ethical code. If Fertonani is convicted of doping, he will be dismissed from the team.