The UCI announced on Monday that Italian rider Maurizio Biondo tested positive for EPO in an out-of-competition control on August 12. The Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini rider finished second overall in the Tour of Denmark after winning the time trial in remarkable fashion.
The laboratory in Laussane found traces of NESP (Novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein) in the 28 year olds blood sample. Biondo can request a counter-analysis that will likely determine his future.
Biondo’s other notable results include winning the Ronde van Drenthe and placing third in the Italian National Time trial Championships behind winner Marco Pinotti (Team Columbia).