The National Anti-Doping Organization for Italy (NADO Italia) has banned virtual esports racer Luca Zanesca 3 years after he tested positive for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned substance Stanozolol.

The 40 year-old Zanasca is a former in-real-life professional rider (2003-2012) who returned to compete as an elite esports racer on Zwift, MyWhoosh and other virtual cycling platforms. He represented Italy in the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, where he finished 57th. He also competed in the MyWhoosh Elite/Pro $1,000,000 Championship, finishing 17th overall. 

Stanozolol is a cheap and popular man-made anabolic steroid that mimics the effects of testosterone to boost muscle growth and quick recovery, while maintaining lean body mass. It is often used illegally in race horses. When used by humans the drug has various negative side effects including: menstrual irregularities, acne, atrophy of the breasts in women; testicular atrophy, prostatic hypertrophy in men; and risk of heart attacks, strokes, liver damage, and psychiatric disturbances in both sexes. 

Zanasca is banned from participating in sport in any capacity until 5 October 2026.

Photo Credit: Zwift

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