UCI suspends Italian team after 2 doping cases in June

AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) The International Cycling Union has suspended Italian team Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec from international races for 30 days after two riders tested positive for doping.

The UCI says the ban starts Aug. 1.

The second-tier team becomes the first to be suspended since the UCI's team rule took effect in January. Teams can be barred from major races for up to 45 days for ''two potential anti-doping violations within the same team within a 12-month period.''

Two Italian riders with Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec tested positive for banned substances in June. Fabio Taborre tested positive for FG-4592, which stimulates production of endurance-boosting hormone EPO. Davide Appollonio tested positive for EPO.

As a second-tier team, Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec needs invitations to World Tour races. It was not invited to the Spanish Vuelta, which starts Aug. 22.