UPDATE: Romano received a 3 year ban by NADO Italia, ending 15 April 2027.

The Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal has preliminarily suspended former professional cyclist Francesco “Ciccio” Romano after the 26 year-old, now racing gran fondos, allegedly tested positive for the banned drug GW1516.

Romano raced two seasons for the Bardiani CSF professional team in 2019-2020, but since then has ridden for amateur Team Nuova Avir. In 2023 he recorded numerous victories and podium appearances, including third place overall at both Gran Fondo Strade Bianche and the UEC European Gran Fondo Championships.

Upon learning of Romano’s preliminary suspension Team Nuovo Avir posted the following statement on Facebook:

“Following the official news of the suspension of its member Francesco Romano, the ASD Nuova Avir, in addition to hoping that Francesco can prove his innocence to the facts challenged to him, wants to strongly affirm its opposition and distance itself from any form of Doping or other actions contrary to our founding principles, based on loyalty and sportsmanship. All our members have the obligation, if they want to be part of our Team, to adhere with their signature to the Code of Ethics of the Federation [FCI].”

GW1516, known by many names including cardarine and endurobol, modifies how the body metabolizes fat and was originally created to treat obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. 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.

Photo Credit: Franco NADO Italia

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