Riccardo Riccò challenges the CONI decision at the CAS
The Italian National Anti-Doping Agency banned Riccardo Ricco for a period of 12 years after the cyclist admitted to blood transfusion and self-administering earlier in April, 2012.
The Italian believed that the punishment that is, the 12-year ban is much more comparing to the crime he committed and has challenged the ruling in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The cyclist appealed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and CAS will start the proceedings next month, on December 11, 2012.
However, it is not the first time Ricco has been tested positive for a UCI banned substance, he has previously served a 20-month ban for using EPO back in 2008.
He was tested positive for using the performance enhancing drugs at the Tour de France 2008 and CONI’s decision that his 2011 offence is a second anti-doping violation and has been given an extended ban, ultimately ending Ricco’s career.
However, if the CAS gave its decision against the 24-year-old, the cyclist will not be able to return back at the international scene before his 40th birthday.
Compatriot Mario Cipollini told Ricco earlier that he best forget competitive cycling and should move on with his life.
"I said: 'Riccardo, first of all think about your son'," Cipollini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"'Forget competitive cycling, the team and the desire to race again”.
“To prove what? For a sense of revenge against everyone? Sit down to look for a job for the future of your child”.
“You're still young, you cannot spend your whole life chasing a ghost or whatever it was. Take my bike, yes, but not to train or to think of racing”.
"'You have to do one thing: totally forget all about your career as a cyclist. You have to remove this burden and clean up your image”.
Riccardo marked his professional debut with Team Saunier Duval-Prodir in 2006 and spent a period of three-years with the team.
He also represented Team Ceramica Flaminia (2010), Team Vacansoleil (2010-11) and joined Team Meridiana-Kamen (2011).
Ricco’s future now depends on the jury who will hear the proceeding next month to decide whether the cyclist can continue as a professional cyclist or not.
Tags: