The Italian Olympic Committee says Francesco Reda, the runner-up to Vincenzo Nibali in the Italian road cycling championship last month, has tested positive for a banned blood booster.
Reda could face a life ban, having already served a 15-month suspension for doping after failing a test in 2013.
Reda tested positive again on June 27 before the national championship road race, when he finished 13 seconds behind Nibali, last year's Tour de France champion.
The committee, which said traces of the EPO-like substance Nesp were found in Reda's system, suspended the rider immediately.
Reda will face an inquiry and an ensuing trial by the Olympic committee.
He rides for Team IDEA.
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