Even though learning from mistakes never proved to be the older generation of Italian riders’ forte, Mauro Santambrogio claims that he has drawn proper conclusions from his 2013 Giro d’Italia doping setback. The 30-year old Italian had his 4-year suspension reduced to only 18 months and will return to competition in the Amore & Vita outfit next season.

Santambrogio had tested positive for EPO during the 2013 edition of the Giro d’Italia, as had his team-mate and fellow countryman Danilo Di Luca. Their actions ignited a scandal and badly affected an anyway questionable reputation of the Vini Fantini team, currently performing under the Neri Sottoli banner.

“Cycling’s controlled more than any other sport and I’ve learned that there’s no use in trying to cheat,” he told Italy’s Tutto Bici website. “Anyway, I’m convinced that a donkey can’t become a thoroughbred with doping.”

Wrong choices brought the 30-year old Italian to the edge of depression, but with a support of his family he managed to bounce back and had his 4-year suspension reduced after he had agreed to cooperate with the Cycling Independent Reform Commission (CIRC).

Registered in Ukraine Amore & Vita is a third division squad which means that Santambrogio won’t return to the Giro d’Italia next two years. Nonetheless, the Italian rider is pleased to have his professional career turned back on the right track.

“At 30 years old I can’t imagine my life without a bike. Maybe because I started racing when I was still a baby and this beautiful sport won over my heart,” he said.

“I admitted all of my guilt. I’m responsible 100% for what happened and confessing was liberating, I could no longer keep this big weight on my shoulders.

“In 2013, I was soaring with the eagles with a stage win in Bardonecchia and after a week, I was finished, buried underground. Only my family and I know how much I suffered in the months afterwards.”