Italian police have seized drugs from a camper van belonging to relatives of two-times Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Gotti, the rider's Alessio team said on Sunday. The seizure was made on Friday while Gotti was competing in the 13th stage of this year's Giro in the Dolomites.
"Gotti is not worried and has communicated the names of the substances to the UCI (International Cycling Union) and the Italian Cycling Federation, saying that they are for allergies," Alessio team manager Bruno Cenghialta told reporters.
"After the seizure, the finance police went to the Alessio team hotel and checked Gotti's personal health records. I have not had any other communication with the police but it is probable that Gotti will be questioned after the Giro."
Gotti won the Giro in 1997 and triumphed again in 1999 after compatriot Marco Pantani was banned on the penultimate day of the race for failing a blood test. (Reuters)
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
