November 07, 2014 (Saguenay, QC) – An Italian cyclist, Luca Benedetti (Amore Vita – Selle SMP), has tested positive for a form of EPO at this year’s Grand prix cycliste de Saguenay reports Radio Canada. The 26-year-old failed a urine test administered on June 6 after the second stage of the competition, testing positive for darbepoetin, a second generation form of EPO (erythropoietin).

The event organizer, Roger Filion, sees a silver lining in Benedetti’s failed test demonstrating that the doping controls are working.

Benedetti’s performances early this year are considered astonishing as he won the KOM polka dot jersey at the GP cycliste de Saguenay; was fourth at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic and he also won Stage 1 of the 2014 Tour de Beauce.

Radio Canada article (in French) here.