UPDATE: Ferritto received a 3 year ban by NADO Italia ending 25 April 2026.

The Italian National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) reports 42 year-old amateur cyclist Luigi Ferritto has been preliminarily suspended after he failed a doping test, which allegedly revealed the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in his blood.

In males, doctors typically prescribe hCG to treat hypogonadism, low or no testosterone production. As a banned athletic performance enhancing substance, hCG is used to artificially stimulate testosterone production, which in turn boosts muscle strength and overall athletic performance. In addition, some male athletes use it to help restore hormone balance after using anabolic steroids for prolonged periods.

Ferritto, who goes by the nickname of The Flying Doc, is an MTB Italian national champion with numerous cycling accomplishments according to his Facebook page:

  • 153 overall victories
  • Italian XCM Champion category M2 2019
  • XCM 2019 Regional Champion
  • Eight rounds of Campania Off Road won
  • 3 times All Star MTB winner of Italy
  • 2 times absolute winner of the Natural Parks Trophy
  • Cross Country Regional Champion 2018
  • Member of Team Giannini

Photo Credit: stock

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