Emanuele Sella

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Emanuele Sella (born January 9, 1981, in Vicenza, Italy) is an Italian former professional road bicycle racer. He is best known for his performances in Grand Tours, particularly the Giro d'Italia, where he showcased his abilities as a climber.

Career

Emanuele Sella turned professional in 2004 with the Ceramica Panaria-Navigare team, where he spent the majority of his career. Sella's riding style and lightweight build made him a formidable competitor in the mountains, earning him a reputation as a specialist climber.

Giro d'Italia Highlights

Sella's most notable achievements came in the Giro d'Italia, where he won multiple stages. His breakthrough came in the 2008 Giro d'Italia, where he won three mountain stages and was awarded the Cima Coppi for being the first rider to summit the highest point of the race that year. These performances also earned him the green jersey as the winner of the mountains classification.

Doping Sanction

However, Sella's career was marred by a doping scandal. In 2008, shortly after his success in the Giro d'Italia, he tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned performance-enhancing drug. Sella admitted to doping and cooperated with authorities, which resulted in a reduced suspension. Despite his return to professional cycling after serving his ban, his career never returned to its previous heights.

Post-Cycling Career

After retiring from professional cycling, Emanuele Sella has remained involved in the sport, participating in local events and working with young cyclists. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures and temptations of professional sports.

Legacy

Emanuele Sella's career is a mix of remarkable athletic achievements and the consequences of doping in professional cycling. His early promise and success in the Giro d'Italia are often overshadowed by his doping scandal, reflecting the broader issues of drug use within the sport.