Luca Paolini

Paolini giro tappa Cosenza matera (103) (cropped)

Silver medal uci

Jersey green

Jersey polkadot

Bronze medal uci

Jersey green

Luca Paolini (born 17 January 1977) is a retired Italian professional road bicycle racer, who competed as a professional between 2000 and 2015. Known for his skills in classic cycle races and as a capable domestique, Paolini's career was marked by several notable victories but also by controversy.

Career

Paolini began his professional career in 2000 with the Mapei team, which later became Quick-Step. During his time with Mapei, he developed a reputation as a strong support rider in the classics and Grand Tours. In 2002, he claimed his first professional victory at the Coppa Placci.

In 2003, Paolini joined the Quick-Step–Davitamon team, where he achieved several significant results, including winning stages at the Tour of Britain and the Giro d'Italia. His ability to perform in both single-day races and stage races made him a valuable asset to his teams.

Paolini's career continued to progress, and in 2007, he signed with Liquigas, where he took on more of a leadership role in the classics. He achieved a notable victory at the 2013 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, showcasing his prowess in tough, one-day races.

In 2015, while riding for Team Katusha, Paolini won the Gent–Wevelgem, another prestigious classic. However, his career took a downturn later that year when he tested positive for cocaine at the Tour de France, leading to his suspension from professional cycling. In 2016, he was handed an 18-month ban from the sport, effectively ending his career at the top level.

Controversy

Paolini's positive test for cocaine in 2015 was a significant controversy in his career. He admitted to using the substance, not for performance enhancement, but as a way to cope with personal issues. Despite this, the incident tarnished his reputation and led to his suspension from professional cycling.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, Paolini is remembered for his tactical intelligence on the road, his ability to win in tough weather conditions, and his role as a key support rider for his teammates in major races. His victories in classics and semi-classics, along with his stage wins in Grand Tours, mark him as one of the notable Italian cyclists of his era.

See Also

• List of doping cases in cycling
• Classic cycle races
• Giro d'Italia
• Tour de France