Riccardo Ricco has been banned for two years following his positive test for CERA at the Tour de France. He will only be allowed to race again on July 30, 2010.
The Italian climber, who rode for the Saunier Duval team, had hoped to get a reduced ban after naming the doctor who supplied him with the blood boosting drug and another rider who was involved. The Italian anti-doping investigators had requested a 20-month suspension but the judge banned Ricco for 24 months: 18 for doping and six months for working with an already banned doctor.
Ricco can appeal against the sentence, with a final appeal possible to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. He also faces a police investigation for doping in France after failing the tests during this year?s Tour de France.
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Ricco may receive 20 month suspension
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