Italian cyclist Marco Pantani has been banned for eight months for using the prohibited substance insulin, the Italian cycling federation announced today.
A syringe containing the drug was found in the hotel where Pantani stayed during the 2001 Giro d'Italia cycle race.
Pantani won the Tour de France and Tour of Italy double in 1998. His last significant success was a stage win at Courchevel in the 2000 Tour de France.