Chesini arrested in drugs probe

Stefano Garzelli won the fifth stage of the Giro d'Italia

Italian cyclist Nicola Chesini of the Panaria team has been detained by police as part of an investigation into the supply of performance-enhancing drugs.

Chesini was taken from his hotel near Cuneo in north-west Italy after the fifth stage of the Giro d'Italia, Italian news agency ANSA reported on Friday.

On Saturday former policeman Armando Marzano handed himself in to police after a warrant for his arrest was issued on Friday.

Only Landbouwkrediet rider Domenico Romano was still at large of the three warrants issued by Brescia police.

 Giro d'Italia fifth round results

Chesini was lying last overall after completing the race in 185th place.

Panaria team manager Robert Reverberi told ANSA: "Chesini was arrested in the hotel.

"We haven't been given an explanation but I think he's been arrested as part of the Varriale question."

Panaria team mate Antonio Varriale, who is not a Giro rider, was arrested on Monday by police in Brescia.

He has been placed under investigation for alleged selling of performance-enhancing drugs, conspiracy and receiving stolen goods.

A year ago, 200 police officers searched the rooms of riders from all 20 teams in the Giro after the 17th stage, confiscating illegal substances.

Some 53 riders and team staff are still under investigation following the searches.