Pozzato charged with doping offence by CONI

The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has officially charged Filippo Pozzato with doping offences, a statement from them confirmed today. It has recommended that the Farnese Vini-Selle Italia rider should be banned for one year when an appointed tribunal hears the case in the coming weeks. With that date not likely to come before the London 2012 Olympics which open on July 27, Pozzato is almost certain to miss the Games. The rules state that athletes who have been charged can only compete once they have been cleared of wrongdoing.