The Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) Sanctions List has been revised to show one of the top Italian gran fondo riders, 36 year-old Fabio Cini (TEAM PROMOTECH MG KVIS), suspended until March 2028 – a date four years after he reportedly returned a positive anti-doping test result for Stanozolol.

On 17 February 2024 Cini won the Ricordando Marco Pantani amateur race. Italy’s National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO Italia) then ordered and carried out an anti-doping test, which upon analysis showed the presence of the banned-at-all-times drug Stanozolol in Cini’s specimen. The drug is an inexpensive anabolic steroid that mimics the effects of Testosterone to boost muscle growth and facilitate quick recovery. 

Cini stated he was innocent, retained a lawyer and fought the NADO Italia doping charges. His lawyer even put forth a conspiracy theory defense based on questionable procedures, non-accredited testing facilities and suspicious chain of custody events.

Now, although NADO Italia has yet to publicly comment on Cini’s case, according to the FCI Sanctions List he is suspended from participating in sport in any capacity until 5 March 2028.

Over the years Cini has won some the most prestigious events on the Italian gran fondo circuit, including Maratona dles Dolomites, Granfondo Ale La Merckx and Sportful Dolomiti, as well as many other amateur races.

Photo Credit: P H Rino, FCI

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