Bastianelli "careless"

The 21-year-old will miss the Beijing Olympics after testing for flenfluramine, which is used in diet products.

"I got a product from the pharmacy. I wanted to lose some weight. It was not a banned substance, it was a simple, herbal product but unfortunately now we have discovered the truth. In one of the products there was a little molecule," she told Sky TG24 television.

"There was a little bit of carelessness. I hope I can come out of this clean and demonstrate it. Even for aspirins I used to consult the doctor. I will watch everything I eat and drink."

The Italian cycling federation said on Monday that Bastianelli had tested positive on July 5 at the European under-23 championship in Verbania, Italy.

Cycling, especially in Italy, has been rocked by a number of doping scandals in recent years but Bastianelli said she was desperate to prove her case was different.

"I am sorry. I hope the investigation brings out the truth. I want to show everyone this is not technical doping."