This morning, Diego Ulissi informed Lampre-Merida that he has received notification from the Swiss Olympic Association that he has been banned for nine months, starting from June 25, 2014 and with the possibility to return to competition from March 28, 2015.

The team takes note of the decision and stresses the fact that it has been confirmed by the Swiss anti-doping authorities that the athlete acted negligently without having any intentions of improving his athletic performance.

In light of this, the team expresses there support of Ulissi but will take a few days to evaluate the situation together with the medical staff.

Diego Ulissi has commented on this rulig: " Finally a decision has been made after a long and difficult period for me. I feel it is important to underline the recognition that I have not acted with the intent to improve my athletic performance, but it has been established that I acted negligently which I regret, especially due to the corresponding damage which has been caused to the team. I have always received great support from the team as well as from my family who have constantly stayed close to me throughout these difficult times.

"I am pleased that , in light of this decision, my victories and results obtained remain unchanged. I can now start to concentrate and look forward to planning my return to racing”.

Ulissi tested posive for an excessive amount of Salbutamol at the Giro d'Italia where he won two stages.