UCI suspended Tino Zaballa for using ephedrine at the Tour of Asturias 2020
Tino Zaballa was tested positive during the Tour of Asturias 2010 and the cyclist has now been banned from professional cycling for a period of nine months.
UCI confirmed the news as reported by Cyclingnews, “I confirm the nine-month suspension for Tino Zaballa imposed by RFEC - which is compliant accepted by UCI”.
Zaballa finished second overall at the Tour of Asturias 2011 and achieved the first overall spot at the 2010 edition of the race.
The 33-year-old started his professional crusade with Team Kelme in 2001 and spent a period of three years with the side.
He penned a deal with Team Sauner-Duval for the 2004 and 2005 seasons and finally accepted an offer from Team Caisse d'Epargne for 2006 and 2007.
Zabella signed up with Team Miche-Guerciotti in 2011 and is currently riding his second consecutive season with the side.
The biggest win of his season came during the 2005 version of the Clasica San Sebastian and a stage victory at the Vuelta a Espana 2004.
While Tino was moving towards the heights of his career, his involvement at the Operacion Puerto put breaks to his exceptional form.
He might also be disqualified from the overall victory that he claimed during the Tour of Asturias 2010.
Earlier this year, Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador faced a two-year ban for using clenbuterol during the Tour de France 2010.
He has also been stripped-off from all the victories since the French Grand Tour and cannot ride until August 2012.
Contador will miss out on most of the important cycling races including the Tour de France, Giro d’ Italia and 2012 Olympic Games.
Moreover, UCI has also imposed a two-year ban on four Brazilian riders recently including Wagner Alves, Flavio Reblin, Tiago Damasceno and Elton Silva.
“The two-year suspensions imposed by Brazilian Federation to Wagner Alves, Elton Silva, Flavio Reblin and Tiago Damasceno,” spokesman Enrico Carpani said. “No other information will be released on these cases by the UCI”, UCI stated.
All the four Brazilians were tested positive during the Tour of Rio and the Volta ao Sao Paolo last year.
UCI temporarily banned the cyclists earlier in January and the permanent suspension has been announced on March 21st, 2012.
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