Bardiani-CSF confirms Pirazzi and Ruffoni to be sacked after positive tests

Italian UCI Professional Continental team Bardiani-CSF says it has begun the process of sacking riders Stefano Pirazzi and Nicola Ruffoni after analysis of B samples confirmed the two riders’ positive drugs tests, announced on the eve of the Giro d’Italia.

> Doping scandal hits Giro d'Italia on eve of 100th edition

News that both had tested positive for a banned growth hormone last month broke shortly after they had been presented with the rest of the team ahead of the start of the 100th edition of the race on Sardinia.

In a press release, Bardiani-CSF confirmed it had begun the process of sacking both riders “as established in team health rules in case of violation and part of the contract signed by each rider of the team.”

It added that it “reserves the right to proceed with a legal action against Pirazzi and Ruffoni to protect the image of the team and its sponsor.”

Pirazzi , aged 30, won the mountains classification at the 2013 Giro and took a stage victory the following year, while last month Ruffoni  won two stages and the points classification at the Tour of Croatia, which ended two days before his positive test.

He has since claimed that a prostate infection may have been to blame for his positive test.

> Ruffoni says prostate infection may be behind positive test