Bahrain Victorious Rider Alberto Bruttomesso Provisionally Suspended in Doping Case

Bahrain Victorious rider Alberto Bruttomesso has been provisionally suspended by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal over alleged anti-doping rule violations.

The tribunal followed a request from the national anti-doping prosecutor to suspend the 22-year-old Italian, according to an update issued by NADO Italia on Wednesday.

Bahrain Victorious moved to sideline its rider during the alleged violation, and issued a statement Wednesday evening.

“Bahrain Victorious is aware of the provisional suspension concerning Alberto Bruttomesso following an anti-doping control conducted by NADO Italia,” a team note read.

“The team fully supports Alberto throughout the ongoing process and will cooperate fully with the relevant anti-doping authorities as the matter is investigated.

“While the case remains ongoing, Alberto will be suspended from all team activities pending a clear and definitive outcome from the relevant anti-doping authorities and the completion of the applicable testing and review procedures.

“Bahrain Victorious remains committed to the highest standards of integrity and to respecting the established anti-doping process. Until that process has concluded, the team will make no further comment.”

No details revealed by authorities

Officials said the suspension is provisional, but did not name a substance or provide any dates or details about the case.

NADO’s violation notice cited articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the WADA code, which cover the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete’s sample, and the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method.

There was no immediate comment from Bruttomesso.

Bruttomesso joined the WorldTour team in 2024 after racing for its development outfit, Cycling Team Friuli.

He won a stage of the 2022 under-23 Giro d’Italia and has recorded several top-five finishes since stepping up to Bahrain Victorious.