Cristian Moreni

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Cristian Moreni (born December 21, 1972) is a former professional road cyclist from Italy. Moreni's career spanned from 1998 to 2007, during which he competed in numerous international cycling competitions and was known for his aggressive riding style and capability as a climbing specialist. However, his career was overshadowed by a doping scandal during the 2007 Tour de France, which led to his suspension and eventual retirement from professional cycling.

Career

Cristian Moreni turned professional in 1998 and rode for several prominent teams throughout his career, including Cofidis, for which he achieved notable successes. Moreni was a versatile rider, with strengths in both climbing and time-trialling, which allowed him to perform well in stage races as well as one-day classics.

One of Moreni's most significant victories came in 2004, when he won a stage of the Giro d'Italia, one of cycling's Grand Tours. This victory was a highlight in his career, showcasing his ability to compete against some of the best cyclists in the world.

2007 Tour de France Doping Scandal

The 2007 Tour de France marked a turning point in Moreni's career. During the race, he tested positive for testosterone, a banned substance under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) anti-doping rules. The positive test came after the 11th stage of the tour, leading to Moreni's immediate withdrawal from the race and his team, Cofidis, suspending its operations in the Tour.

Following the positive test, Moreni admitted to using the banned substance and cooperated with the authorities, which led to a reduced suspension. Despite his cooperation, the scandal effectively ended his professional cycling career, and he retired shortly thereafter.

After Cycling

After retiring from professional cycling, Moreni has kept a low profile. Details about his post-cycling life are scarce, but it is known that he has been involved in various cycling-related activities, including coaching and participating in amateur cycling events.

Legacy

Cristian Moreni's career is a reminder of the dark shadow doping scandals cast over professional cycling, especially during the late 1990s and early 2000s. While he achieved significant results on the road, his legacy is inevitably tied to his doping violation during the 2007 Tour de France. The incident contributed to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of anti-doping measures in cycling and the sport's efforts to clean up its image.

See Also

• Doping in sport
• List of doping cases in cycling