TAS 2010/A/2178 Pietro Caucchioli c. CONI & UCI
CAS 2010/A/2178 Pietro Caucchioli vs CONI & UCI
In June 2009 the UCI experts committee reviewed the data in the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) of the Italian Athlete Pietro Caucchioli, based on the 13 blood samples collected between April 2008 and May 2009. The experts noted the Athlete’s hematological profile could only be explained by the use of a prohibited method.
As a result the UCI reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete for the use of a prohibited method. Consequently on 3 June 2010 the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) decided to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete.
Hereafter in July 2010 the Athlete appealed the TNA decision of 3 June 2010 with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Athlete disputed the ABP method, the independence of the experts committee and the reliability of the collected blood samples.
Follwing assessment the Panel determines that the ABP evidence is allowed and a reliable method for indirect detection of doping violations. The expert work independent for UCI and evaluate anonymized ABP samples.
The Panel deems that the Athlete failed to establish that there had been irregularities in the ABP method and concludes that he had committed an anti-doping rule violation through the use of a prohibited method (enhancement of oxygen transport).
Therefore the Court of Arbitration for Sport Panel decides on 8 March 2011 to uphold the TNA decision of 3 June 2010 and to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on 18 June 2009.
