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Riccò to appeal suspension, again

published 31 July 2009

Suspended cyclist complains rules broken

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Italian Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval-Scott) explains the situation to Alessandra Di Stefano of Rai. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Riccardo Riccò will appeal the 24-month suspension he received yesterday from the International Cycling Union (UCI). It said that Italy lacked jurisdiction to issue the original suspension for Riccò's doping violation at the 2008 Tour de France.

Cycling union decides on 24-month ban for Riccò

"I am without words in light of this decision. It seems like a political power move," Riccò's lawyer, Alessandro Sivelli, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Cycling Union decided that the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) lacked jurisdiction when it issued its 24-month suspension for Riccò in October 2008. Riccò had appealed the suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in March and received a four-month reduction.

Sivelli said they will appeal the Cycling Union's decision to the Court of Arbitration.

"It's better I don't talk to avoid saying something bad. The rules almost don't exist in cycling," Riccò said.

Riccò tested positive for blood booster Erythropoietin (EPO) CERA July 8. The French anti-doping agency (AFLD) released the result on July 17, after he had won two stages. The Cycling Union followed yesterday France's recommendation of a 24-month ban.