Giampaolo Caruso

UEC Champion Jersey

Silver medal uci

TDF 2015, étape 13, Montgiscard (3053)

Giampaolo Caruso (born 15 August 1980) is an Italian former professional road bicycle racer, who competed professionally between 2002 and 2015. Caruso was known for his climbing ability, which made him a valuable asset in the mountain stages of Grand Tours and one-day classic races.

Career

Giampaolo Caruso's professional career began in 2002 with the team ONCE-Eroski. Over the years, he rode for several teams, including Liberty Seguros, Lampre-Fondital, and Team Katusha. Throughout his career, Caruso achieved notable results, including a stage win at the Vuelta a España and victories in smaller stage races and one-day events. His ability to perform in the mountains made him a key teammate for leaders in Grand Tours and saw him taking on leadership roles in smaller races.

Doping Allegations

Caruso's career was not without controversy. In 2003, he was initially implicated in a doping case but was later cleared. However, in 2015, Caruso was provisionally suspended by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) after a retest of a sample from 2012 tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned performance-enhancing drug. This led to his contract with Team Katusha being terminated. The case highlighted the ongoing challenges within professional cycling related to doping and the efforts of the UCI to combat these issues through retrospective testing.

Retirement

Following the doping allegations and subsequent suspension, Giampaolo Caruso did not return to professional cycling. His case remains a part of the broader narrative of doping within the sport and the complexities involved in ensuring a clean and fair competitive environment.

Legacy

Giampaolo Caruso's career is a reflection of the highs and lows experienced by professional cyclists. His achievements on the road were overshadowed by the doping allegations that led to his suspension. Despite this, his performances, particularly in the mountains, were often notable and showcased his talent as a climber.