Women’s Racing Rocked in Doping Case as Cyclist Tests Positive

Italian cyclist Linda Laporta has been provisionally suspended in a doping case after testing positive for a banned substance during the UAE Tour Women, the International Testing Agency confirmed.

The ITA said a sample collected February 5 during an “intelligence-led testing” mission at the WorldTour race revealed the presence of enobosarm, also known as ostarine, ITA officials said.

Laporta, 26, rides for Vini Fantini-BePink, a continental-level squad based in Italy.

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.

Under UCI anti-doping rules, a mandatory provisional suspension has already been imposed.

The substance — a S1.2 class anabolic agent — is banned under WADA rules.

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.

This is a relatively rare doping case to hit the women’s peloton.

In 2025, of the 20 cases recorded among professional cyclists, only one came from a women’s team, according to the MPCC.

Laporta has been formally notified of the result and has the right to request analysis of her B-sample.

If the B-sample confirms the initial finding, or if she declines, the case will proceed as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation, the ITA said.

There was no immediate response from Laporta or her team.

Since 2026, the ITA has been running the anti-doping program for the UCI.