Bahrain's Alberto Bruttomesso suspended for anti-doping offence

Bahrain Victorious rider Alberto Bruttomesso has been provisionally suspended by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal for a violation of anti-doping rules. 

“The National Anti-Doping Tribunal informs that, in acceptance of the instance proposed by the National Anti-Doping Prosecutor, has provisionally suspended the athlete Alberto Bruttomesso (FCI), for the violation of articles 2.1, 2.2 of the Anti-Doping Sports Code,” read a statement from NADO Italia on Wednesday evening.

Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the anti-doping code cover the “presence of a prohibited substance” and the “use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method.” NADO did not provide details on the precise nature of Bruttomesso’s alleged infraction.

Bahrain Victorious said that it “fully supports” the 22-year-old, but the team has suspended him pending the outcome of the case.

“Bahrain Victorious is aware of the provisional suspension concerning Alberto Bruttomesso following an anti-doping control conducted by NADO Italia,” read a statement from Bahrain Victorious on Wednesday evening.

“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.”

Bruttomesso turned professional with Bahrain Victorious in 2024, and his current contract runs through the end of 2027. He previously raced with Bahrain’s feeder squad Cycling Team Friuli and claimed a stage win at the under-23 Giro d’Italia in 2022.

The sprinter has yet to win a race as a pro, with his best finishes coming at the Tour of Guangxi at the end of his debut season. Bruttomesso hasn’t raced since the Deutschland Tour in mid-August.