TAS 2008/A/1698 Riccardo Ricco c. CONI
CAS 2008/A/1698 Riccardo Ricco vs CONI
In July 2008 the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Italian cyclist Riccardo Ricco after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (CERA).
In first instance the Athlete admitted the violation and stated that the substance was administered in Italy before his participation to the Tour de France.
As substantial assistance the Athele testified about the doping involvement of dr. Santuccione and other Athletes.
On 2 October 2008 the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping del CONI (TNA), the CONI National Anti-Doping Tribunal, decided to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete.
Hereafter in November 2008 the Athlete appealed the TNA Decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).The Athlete requested to annul the Appealed Decision and for a reduced sanction.
The Sole Arbitrator assessed the Athlete’s violation and his substantial assistance and decides on 17 March 2009:
1.) The appeal filed by Riccardo Ricco against the CONI TNA decision of 2 October 2008 is partially accepted.
2.) The CONI TNA of 2 October 2008 is partially reformed.
3.) The Athlete Riccardo Ricco is suspended from all sports activity for a periode of 20 (Twenty) months. This period runs from 18 July 2008.
4.) Any other claim made by the parties shall be rejected.
5.) (…)
