You can run, but you can’t hide from the doping police…

The Italian National Anti-Doping Prosecutor has banned 39 year-old amateur cyclist Francesco Pesciaioli (Cicli Copparo – Crainox) for 4-years after the 2021 Italian Masters Time Trial Champion evaded, refused and failed to submit a biological sample for testing after being informed to do so by officials.

“Today I stop running away from the past, today is the day in which the accounts are made,” he posted on Instagram after the ban was announced. 

Pesciaioli won the 2021 Italian Masters Time Trial Championship and an Italian Tricolore National Championship jersey in May on the island of Sicily, racing against 107 athletes.  He completed the individual time trial route with a time of 0:23:16 at an average of over 48 kilometres per hour. 

Other recent results include finishing 31st at Gran Fondo d’Abruzzo La Michiattiani in May 2021 and 22nd at GFNY Alpes Vaujany 2020 European Gran Fondo Championship.

Pesciaioli’s is banned from competing in all sports from 7 October 2021 until 6 October 2025.

PHOTOS: Instagram

Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar