The National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) of Italy has preliminarily suspended Nicola Mughetti after he tested positive for the banned substance GW1516 in check carried out by NADO. He is the third Italian athlete, after cyclists Marco Cecchinato and Federico Rispoli, accused of testing positive for GW1516 in less than a year.

GW1516 is known by many names, including cardarine and endurobol, as well as various combinations of the initials and numbers (e.g., GW501516). It modifies how the body metabolizes fat and was originally created to treat obesity, diabetes, and other disorders caused by metabolic problems. Athletes have used the banned drug to lose weight and improve endurance, often via unregulated dietary supplements. However, the drug is not approved for human consumption and was found to cause cancer in clinical medical trials.

A 30-34 age group triathlete, Mughetti is listed in the top 5% of IRONMAN® athletes worldwide, earning him the label of “All World Athlete.” In 2022, using Gran Fondo Via del Sale and Gran Fondo Nove Colli for training, he finished 18th at Ironman Italy Emilia-Romagna in September, propelled by a strong bike ride.

Afterwards, in an interview with Living Cesenatico Mughetti announced plans to compete in the June 2023 Ironman European Championships in Germany, once again, using the 200km Gran Fondo Nove Colli in May to prepare.

His preliminary suspension for the alleged anti-doping violation now prevents him from participating in all sporting events until the case is resolved at a NADO hearing.

Photo Credit: M.Lewis/OlaVistaPhoto

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