Eddy Ratti from the De Rosa-Stac Plastic team has tested positive for recombinant EPO in a surprise doping control carried out by the International Cycling Union (UCI). The Italian was tested on January 21st near his home in Codogno, Italy.
Ratti started his career in 2000 with the Mapei-Quick Step team. In 2002 he achieved his first victory as a professional, winning the third stage of the Regio Tour. Later that year he also won the Tre Valli Varesine, and moved to the rival Italian team Lampre the following year.
Since 2004 Ratti had ridden for smaller teams, and before moving to Derosa-Stac Plastic this year, rode for the Amica Chips team in 2009. He won stage three of the Brixia Tour last year, finishing third overall.
De Rosa-Stac Plastic has suspended the rider immediately, and awaits the analysis of Ratti's B-Sample. If the B-Sample is also positive they will terminate the rider.