AIGLE, Switzerland (AP)—Five cyclists face doping charges based on suspicious test results gathered in a pioneering blood profiling system.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) said Wednesday it wants disciplinary cases opened against three Spaniards—Igor Astarloa, Ruben Lobato and Ricardo Serrano—and Italians Pietro Caucchioli and Francesco De Bonis.
They are the first riders facing charges based on evidence provided by the biological passport system that was launched 18 months ago by the UCI and World Anti-Doping Agency.
All face a minimum two-year ban from their national federations, which are responsible for prosecuting the cases.
However, the UCI’s anti-doping manager Anne Gripper said the global governing body will seek four-year suspensions.
Caucchioli’s team Lampre said it had suspended … Details