UPDATE 05 January 2024: Velotti’s anti-doping violation resulted in NADO Italia sentencing him to a 3-year ban from participating in sport in any capacity until 12 September 2025.

This week Gianbernardino “Dino” Velotti was suspended by the Italian National Anti Doping Agency (NADO) as a precautionary measure after the amateur rider, who competes in the Masters 30-34 age category, did not submit a biological sample to NADO when ordered.

He is charged with violating Article 2.3 of the national anti doping code, which states:

“Avoidance, refusal or non-presentation by the Athlete to undergo the taking of the biological sample. Evading biological sample collection or refusing to undergo or fail to submit to biological sample collection without valid justification following notification by a specifically authorized person.”

National anti-doping agencies take this type of violation very seriously. Recently American masters rider Nelson Trujillo was banned 12 years for violating Article 2.3 – twice.

Velotti competes primarily in mountain bike gran fondo events for team ASD Vesuvio Mountainbike, but has also dabbled in Italian road gran fondos.

A NADO hearing is pending where Velotti can present his case and challenge the charges.

Photos: stock