LPR issues its suspension to Bosisio
Italian team suspend Bosisio pending counter-analysis
LPR has today issued its own provisional suspension to Gabriele Bosisio after the Italian rider tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO).
Although Bosisio was issued a preliminary suspension by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on Tuesday, the team said it had taken the action to reinforce its firm stance against doping.
"Consistent with our very strict policy against the use of drugs, we have taken measure of temporarily suspending Gabriele Bosisio, pending the results of a counter-analysis," said the team in a statement, according to Italian newspaper la Repubblica.
The UCI announced on Tuesday that Bosisio had been suspended from racing after he tested positive for EPO in an out-of-competition test on September 2. It said the test had been conducted after blood samples taken as part of his biological passport had revealed irregularities.
Earlier this year LPR dismissed Danilo Di Luca after he returned two positive tests for EPO-CERA during this year's Giro d'Italia. LPR today expressed their regret at the latest doping scandal to hit the team.
"The team has been shocked [by Bosisio's positive result]. Bosisio says he is innocent and we hope that the counter-analysis will show this, because in six years of working together we have come to appreciate both the human and athletic talents of Gabriel."
The suspension handed down to Bosisio by the UCI will remain in force until the Italian Cycling Federation makes a ruling on whether the rider has breached anti-doping rules.
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