US firm drops cycling team after doping cases

Mauro Santambrogio. AP PHOTO

ROME — American cycling apparel firm DeFeet says it has severed ties with Italian team Vini Fantini after two Giro d’Italia riders tested positive for doping.

Danilo Di Luca. AP PHOTO

DeFeet says on its Twitter account that “we have concluded our sponsorship of the Vini Fantini professional cycling team.”

Chief executive Shane Cooper wrote that “DeFeet will not support teams that do not provide a clear clean path 4 this new generation. I challenge other CEOs to stand up.”

The firm, based in Hildebran, North Carolina, announced its decision after the International Cycling Union said Monday that Giro stage winner Mauro Santambrogio tested positive for EPO on May 3, the opening day of the three-week race.

Vini Fantini said it has fired Santambrogio and teammate Danilo Di Luca, whose positive test was announced during the Giro.