Franco Pellizotti is all set to return to professional cycling in May 2012
Franco Pellizotti was banned from professional cycling because of blood irregularities and the cyclist is planning his return as the ban period expires in May 2012.
Court of Arbitration for Sport handed him a two-year ban in March 2011 that was backdated to May 2010.
The ban period is almost over and the cyclist is keen to make a rapid come back on the professional scene, most probably at the Giro d’ Italia 2012.
The 34-year-old was also stripped off from all the victories since May 17th, 2009, which cost him the second overall finish at the Giro d’ Italia, 2009.
He finished third at the 2009 edition of the Giro but the second place finisher, Pietro Caucchioli was also banned from the race. It was an ideal opportunity for Franco but the jury annulled all his 2009 results.
Pellizotti was also disqualified from the stage 17 win at the race, along with the King of Mountains classifications and two stages at the Tour de France 2009.
He started riding professionally with Team Alessio in 2001 and stayed with the team for a period of four years.
Franco moved to the Italian side, Team Liquigas in 2005 and represented the team until his last international appearance in 2010.
On commenting about his return to professional cycling, he disclosed that a number of teams have shown interest to sign him, Team Lampre-ISD in particular.
He said, "There is interest in me from both Lampre-ISD and Liquigas-Cannondale and both of them have spoken to my agent, I would love to be at the Giro if it's possible though I would obviously have to find my race pace very quickly".
His manager, Alex Carera briefed that the Italian team has raised concerns about Franco’s mental and physical condition and have also inquired about the exact date of his return.
Alex informed, "The possible revocation of Saxo Bank's World Tour licence could reopen the door of the Giro to Acqua & Sapone, who, together with Farnese, has always shown some interest".
He believes that Pellizotti’s role in Team Lampre would be to support Michele Scarponi at the Giro d’Italia and could possibly be leading the team at the Tour de France.
It will be interesting to see if Franco makes it through to the final roster of any World Tour team as his ban expires on May 5th 2012.
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