UCI suspends Italian cyclist Eddy Ratti for testing positive for blood-booster EPO

Italian cyclist Ratti suspended for doping

AIGLE, Switzerland — Italian cyclist Eddy Ratti has been suspended after testing positive for the banned blood-boosting hormone EPO.

The International Cycling Union said Saturday that the 32-year-old Ratti had a positive sample from an out-of-competition urine test on Jan. 21.

The UCI says the sample was taken as part of a testing program to ensure all new riders in its biological passport program were adequately monitored.

Ratti is provisionally suspended until the Italian cycling federation holds a disciplinary hearing.

Ratti, who was scheduled to ride for the De Rosa-Stac Plastic team this season, can request and attend the analysis of his backup sample.