![\"anti-doping\"](\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-173067411-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nItalian rider Linda Laporta faces suspension after a positive test for ostarine during the UAE Tour Women in rare doping case in women’s peloton. <\/p>\n
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An Italian tested positive during an ‘intelligence-driven’ control. (Photo: Doug Pensinger\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Published March 22, 2026 04:17PM<\/p>\n
Italian cyclist Linda Laporta has been provisionally suspended in a doping<\/a> case after testing positive for a banned substance during the UAE Tour Women, the International Testing Agency confirmed.<\/p>\n The ITA<\/a> said a sample collected February 5 during an \u201cintelligence-led testing\u201d mission at the WorldTour race revealed the presence of enobosarm, also known as ostarine, ITA officials said<\/a>.<\/p>\n Laporta, 26, rides for Vini Fantini-BePink, a continental-level squad based in Italy.<\/p>\n A professional since 2024, she has yet to win a race. She recorded the adverse analytical finding during the UAE Tour Women, where she finished 50th overall.<\/p>\n Under UCI anti-doping rules, a mandatory provisional suspension has already been imposed.<\/p>\n The substance \u2014 a S1.2 class anabolic agent \u2014 is banned under WADA rules.<\/p>\n According to ITA, ostarine has been shown to increase lean body mass and promote muscle growth, and can be used to treat muscle wasting and osteoporosis.<\/p>\n This is a relatively rare doping case to hit the women\u2019s peloton<\/a>.<\/p>\n In 2025, of the 20 cases recorded among professional cyclists, only one came from a women\u2019s team, according to the MPCC.<\/p>\n Laporta has been formally notified of the result and has the right to request analysis of her B-sample.<\/p>\n