The Italian National Anti Doping Organization (NADO) has banned 33 year-old athlete Andrea Pizzeghella from participating in sports for five years after he was found guilty of violating anti-doping rules.

Pizzeghella returned a positive test result for not one, but two banned substances – Bodenone and Drostanolone – at an out of competition test performed by NADO.

Both banned substances found in Pizzeghella have chemical structures nearly identical to testosterone.

Boldenone was developed for veterinary use and is not been approved for humans. It can stimulate protein synthesis and the release of natural erythropoietin (EPO), helping to build significant muscle mass and strength – primarily in horses.

Drostanolone was developed to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women, but is now popular among bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts because it boosts lean muscle mass growth and enhances performance.

Pizzeghella, an elite triathlete who earns a living as a bike mechanic, was a member of the Italian Triathlon Federation’s Olympic Long Team training for the 2024 games in Paris. Now his dream of competing in the Olympics is on hold. Pizzeghella will not able to compete in or be associated with any sporting activities until 11 November 2027.

Photo Credit: Twitter