Both current and former riders and management of the Italian team at the center of alleged ring
It was reported yesterday that the long-lingering Mantova investigation that derailed the spring campaigns of both Alessandro Ballan and Mauro Santambrogio in 2010 is far from over. According to Tuttobiciweb.it, 32 people have been named in the final report of public prosecutor, Antonino Condorelli.
The Lampre-ISD team was particularly hard hit by the release of the names with a slew of former and current riders mentioned. Ardennes Classics contender, former Giro d'Italia winner, and proclaimed-staunchly clean rider Damiano Cunego, as well as teammate Francesco Gavazzi make up the riders that currently race for Lampre-ISD. It's not just the riders either, as long-time Lampre-ISD manager, Giuseppe Saronni, has also been implicated.
The investigation, which centers around the use and trafficking of substances such as EPO, ephedrine, somatropin, testosterone, and cortisone, focuses on the time period between late 2008 and July 2009, according to Tuttobiciweb.
The Lampre-ISD team issued a statement this morning regarding yesterday's news and signed by one of the implicated, Giuseppe Saronni, the team's general manager.
"The team was informed by the media about this list of names. From what we understand, the prosecutor in Mantua has conducted investigations against a number of people who could be part of his doping scandal, including riders and managers. To date, neither the team nor its legal representatives were notified of the news. When it is confirmed by an official, the team will take measures without delay in accordance with the judge's instructions in order to help him to clarify this situation."