The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has provisionally suspended Italian cyclist Davide Appollonio, after he returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for erythropoietin (EPO) after a test on 14 June after the Giro d’Italia. Appollonio currently rides for the Androni-Sidermec team which said that if the positive was confirmed through B sample analysis, this would result in instant dismissal. The team has also hired a lawyer to follow the procedure for a damages action – all riders have to sign internal health regulations which include the possibility of liability for €100,000 in damages if they are found guilty of doping.

“We never put pressure on riders”, said Team Manager Gianni Savio in a statement issued today. “We only ever require commitment, seriousness and loyalty. We have always applied zero tolerance of doping, stating that we would be inflexible. I personally think that those who dope now are stupid, because doping is a criminal offence.”

The positive test was confirmed on the UCI internet site’s list of riders currently serving a provisional suspension. If the B sample confirms the A sample’s findings, then Appollonio could face criminal charges. In 2011, Italy became one of the first countries to criminalise doping in sport. Appollonio (pictured) has previously ridden for Team Sky (2011/12) and Ag2r-La Mondiale (2013/14).