May 24, 2013 – This morning the UCI advised Italian rider Danilo Di Luca that he is provisionally suspended. The decision to provisionally suspend this rider was made in response to a report from the WADA accredited laboratory in Köln indicating an Adverse Analytical Finding of EPO in a urine sample collected from him in an out of competition test on 29 April 2013.

The provisional suspension of Mr. Danilo Di Luca remains in force until a hearing panel convened by the Italian Cycling Federation determines whether he has committed an anti-doping rule violation under Article 21 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules.

Mr. Danilo Di Luca has the right to request and attend the analysis of his B sample. Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the UCI is unable to provide any additional information at this time.

Currently racing at the Giro d’Italia this is Danilo Di Luca’s (Ita) Vini Fantini-Selle, 37, second doping infraction as he tested positive at the 2009 Giro for CERA and was suspended for two years which was reduced due to his cooperation with authorities regarding doping methods. If he’s found guilty he faces a lifetime ban – read more here. – ed.