Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli’s participation the in World Championships doubtful – Cycling News
With the World Championships just around the corner the most dominant French Women’s rider Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli has found herself in a devastating situation as she might face a ban as a result of disciplinary action by the French Cycling Federation (FFC).
Longo has claimed 13 World and 59 National titles so far and is mostly famous for her time trial skills.
Earlier this year, the FFC started a disciplinary action against her for not providing enough information on her whereabouts. In June, 2011 the French newspaper l’Equipe stated that during the French time trial championships preparation in the US she was
again absent from her room when USADA officials visited the hotel. French Anti-Doping Authority was informed straight away by USADA as a case was again forwarded to FFC.
It was the third time Longo had failed to comply with national cycling federation’s rules and is likely to face a suspension. Her inclusion in the World Championships is a big question as she might face a minimum 3 months to a maximum of 2 year suspension
from the sport.
The 52-year-old has further lost her credibility after l’Equipe published the news that Jeannie’s coach and her husband were buying EPO through internet. Joe Papp accepted the dealings and admitted that he had delivered the EPO to Yolande Ciprelli back in
2007. Further legal action cannot be taken against the French cyclist as there is no proof that she used the EPO sent to her husband from China.
Joe Papp told l’Equipe that, "Ciprelli did not mention her name, but he talked of his wife, I understood that Longo was the beneficiary of the EPO, based on the messages. But he insisted to pay for it himself and that the package should be sent to a third
person."
Longo’s coach Patrice was suspended by the FFC and a formal investigation was started to look in to the matter. Longo Ciprelli and her husband both have not made any comment about the issue yet and it will be interesting to see that how the French cycling
legend handles the situation.
The World Championships are starting next week and Jeannie’s absence from the event will not only weaken the French side but will also let down the whole team if she faces a suspension. She is undoubtedly the most skilled and experienced cyclist in the French
team and her fans across the globe are positive for her innocence.
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