Leonardo Piepoli (Saunier Duval-Scott) was still hoping (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Leonardo Piepoli, who was due to attend a hearing before the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) on Wednesday, failed to show up according to Ansa.
Piepoli was scheduled to appear before CONI on October 10, but the hearing was postponed upon the request of his legal team. Two of the Italian cyclist's blood samples taken one day before and during the Tour de France tested positive for EPO CERA. One sample taken on July 4 and another was collected on July 15.
During the Tour, Piepoli rode for Saunier Duval, a team whose star rider, Riccardo Riccò, also tested positive for EPO CERA. Riccò's positive came during the Tour and the entire team withdrew from the race. Prior to the team's withdrawal, Piepoli had won stage 10.
