Former pro cyclist, who became an OnlyFans model after being sacked by EF Education-EasyPost, arrested in Italy

Piccolo turned pro in 2021 with Astana-Premier Tech, but rode his first professional races for Gazprom-RusVelo in 2022. That team ceased to exist after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, meaning the young Italian had to look for something new. He found a place at Drone Hopper–Androni Giocattoli, where he showed he could really ride: he finished second at the Circuito Getxo, behind Juan Ayuso.

Before the end of that season, he signed a WorldTour contract with EF Education-EasyPost. With the American squad, he finished third at the Coppa Agostoni and second at the Japan Cup. Piccolo’s star was on the rise, and in the years that followed he rode both the Vuelta a España — where he even wore the leader’s jersey — and the Giro d’Italia. But his progress came to an abrupt halt when he was suspected of transporting growth hormones in his car.

It ultimately resulted in a doping suspension from the Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal, which also meant the end of his contract with EF Education-EasyPost. The American team tore up the agreement, and Piccolo did not want to wait until his suspension had run its course. He then continued as an OnlyFans model alongside his South American girlfriend.

It was a strange twist — but to each their own. Now, however, Piccolo is once again in the headlines. The 24-year-old Italian was arrested in Naples by police. They stopped a Porsche Macan with Piccolo and two other men inside. During a check, officers reportedly found €2,000 in counterfeit cash. A baton was also found. No doubt this story will have a sequel.