“Via col doping” – Lampre Shamed

As far back as 2005, chemist Guido Nigrelli of Verona was caught supplying Emagel, (a masking agent for EPO) to Lampre riders Mariano Piccoli, Gabriele Missaglia and Marco Serpellini. Six years on, the Italians are still chasing Nigrelli for his involvement in doping and sporting fraud. Today Gazzetta dello Sport reported Nigrelli, with close links to Lampre coach Sergio Gelati, are at the center of another doping investigation in Mantova. The investigation was part of the on-going Humanplasma enquiry. A doctor, coach or anyone with access and knowledge to PED’s pray on the weaknesses of our young athletes and need to removed from sport. The supply the danger, the headlines and broken dreams to cycling. Bike Pure commend the actions of the Italian police, as it seems we cannot keep our own house in order.

Lampre-Farnese Vini teammates and friends Lorenzo Bernucci (ex T- mobile) and Alessadro Petacchi were also under investigation as police searched the homes of the two Pro Tour riders and found banned substances in Bernucci’s home. Guardia di Finanza operation – “Via col doping” – their initiative to eradicate doping in sport, is focused on the international trade of banned substances, and was born out of statements made by former Giro d’Italia king of the mountains winner and CERA user, Emanuele Sella. The Police uncovered Albumin, (a substance used to dilute the blood and lower hematocrit levels), Sibutramine, (a stimulant), and some vials with unknown substances that required further analysis. The most worrying statement of the whole issue this week was that of Lampre’s team doctor Carlo Guardascione. Rather than a comment of disgust, that one of his riders were caught cheating and bringing the whole team under further suspicion, Guardascione reported that the products found in Bernucci’s home belonged to his wife and brother. Until all the facts come out we cant know for certain, but excuses for a rider already convicted in 2007 of using PEDs looks the like the team doctor was already aware of his actions. Sad show.