UPDATE 18 MARCH 2022: Scopetani is the second 2023 Strade Bianche Gran Fondo rider accused of violating anti-doping rules, with overall champion Mikkel Videbaek also suspended by NADO.

2023 Strade Bianche bronze medalist Giulio Scopetani has been provisionally suspended from competition by the Italian National Anti Doping Organization (NADO) after the amateur cyclist avoided anti-doping tests ordered by NADO.

The 32 year-old is accused of violating World Anti Doping Agency rule 2.3, “Evading Sample collection; or refusing or failing to submit to Sample collection without compelling justification after notification by a duly authorized Person.”

Two weeks ago from a field of 1700 competitors Scopetani earned a podium place by finishing third, 26 seconds behind the winner, in the legendary Strade Bianche Medio Fondo race in Siena, Italy. It was a marked improvement over his fifth place in 2022 and ninth in 2021.

A rider who prefers shorter medio fondo distance races, in 2022 Scopetani (ASD VITAM-IN CYCLING TEAM) also finished in third place at Granfondo San Benedetto del Tronto and 5 Mila Marche, while winning the XVIIth edition of the Colline del Candia.

A WADA rule 2.3 violation is the equivalent of an athlete testing positive for banned substances, with the typical sentence a four-year ban from participating in sports as a competitor or support person if found guilty. In addition, Gran Fondo Strade Bianche rules state the organizer may fine any participant returning a positive anti-doping test result 50,000 euros for damages.

A NADO hearing has yet to be scheduled, where Scopetani can challenge the accusations.

Photo Credit: langolodelpirata.it

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