A correction was made on 25 July 2025: An earlier version of this article misstated the team associated with Cognet.

2024 La Fausto Coppi Gran Fondo champion Stephane Cognet returned a positive anti-doping test result for Betametasone and has been provisionally suspended, according to a recent press release from Italy’s National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO Italia).

The now 44 year-old French cyclist became the first foreigner to win the classic La Fausto Coppi in the 35 year history of the amateur race. French Cycling Federation results list his 2025 team as Velo Sport Biotois in France.

On 29 June 2025 Cognet tried to repeat his La Fausto Coppi victory at the 36th edition, but fell short and had to settle for second place.

La Fausto Coppi was not Cognet’s first big victory, in 2019 he won the 14 event Gran Fondo World Tour ® series, taking home a lion’s share of a $32,000 USD cash prize payout.

But Cyclisme-Dopage reports in 2019 after winning the French Les Bosses de Provence race, Cognet tested positive for Betamethasone and received a short eight month ban by the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) after they reasoned he had no intent to dope.

Betamethasone is corticosteroid drug primarily prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It is banned from use In-Competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency due to its performance enhancing potential.

Studies suggest endurance athletes using Betamethasone may experience reduced pain and inflammation when exercising, allowing them to train harder, recover faster and gain a performance advantage. Though, its use comes with serious health risks: high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, ulcers, depression, anxiety and infection.

Betamethasone has been associated with pro cyclists as recently as 2022, when the Portuguese Anti-Doping Authority suspended W52-FC Porto team riders Rui Vinhas and Daniel Mestre for 3 years each after finding them guilty of possessing the banned drug.

Athletes, like Cognet, provisionally suspended are presumed innocent until an anti-doping court renders a final verdict, but in the mean time they are not allowed to participate in sport in any capacity.

Photo Credit: Loris Salussolia

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