DI LUCA EXCLUDED FROM PROTOUR
The Union Cycliste Internationale - cycling's international governing body - have removed Danilo Di Luca's name from the 2007 ProTour rankings.
Di Luca was leading the season-long series consolodated by his overall victory in the Giro d'Italia, but now Australia's Cadel Evans takes over from the Italian at the top of the table.
In a short statement issued today, the UCI announced that Di Luca had been excluded from the ProTour rankings as a result of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) suspending him for three months, starting from October 16. The statement concluded: "The Italian rider is excluded from the UCI ProTour ranking in accordance to the article 1.2.133.1 of the UCI regulations."
Rule 1.2.133 of the UCI regulations reads:
[A rider] is left out from any UCI classification as well as any UCI cups and series classifications in case of suspension until the last event counting for the ranking, the rider is immediately excluded from the classification.
Di Luca's three month ban was served by CONI on Tuesday due to his connections with Dr Carlo Santuccione, who has been banned from contact with the world of professional cycling for five years due to doping infringements and his involvement in the 'oil for drugs' police investigation. Di Luca claimed Santuccione was his family doctor.
RELATED LINKS
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Di Luca banned for three months
EXTERNAL LINKS
UCI: www.uci.ch.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Has cycling's most affordable pro bike brand just launched its aero machine?
Van Rysel set to equip Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with new RCR-F in 2025
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Even if you ride a lot, here's why you shouldn't skip leg day at the gym
Think your legs get enough exercise? A little gym time can unlock big strength and performance gains.
By Greg Kaplan Published