Mattia Gavazzi tests positive for cocaine for third time

Italian sprinter Mattia Gavazzi faces a lengthy ban after testing positive for cocaine for third time in his career

Mattia Gavazzi racing with Colnago-CSF Inox in 2010 (Sunada)

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

For the third time in 12 years, Italian rider Mattia Gavazzi has tested positive for cocaine, and has been provisionally suspended by his Amore & Vita-Selle SMP team.

The 32-year-old reportedly tested positive for the recreational drug in a test conducted after stage six of the Tour of Qinghai Lake last year. He won stages eight, 10, 11 and 13 in the race.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.