Riccardo Ricco Positive for EPO
Saunier Duval Rider Returns Positive Drugs Test During Tour
Thirteen days into the 2008 edition of the Tour de France, as the peloton prepared itself for the first of a series of transitional stages across the southern reaches of France, the race was rocked by its highest profile doping scandal so far.
It was reported prior to the start of stage 12, from Lavelanet to Narbonne, that Italian rider Riccardo Ricco of Saunier Duval, second place in this year's Giro d'Italia (the sport's second most prestigious tour) and winner of two stages in this year's Tour, had tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO).
The sample had been taken after the stage four time trial in Cholet and, according to reports, during analysis had been found to contain traces of EPO and a new drug CERA.
EPO is of benefit to cyclists as it artificially increases the rider's red blood cell count which in turn enhances the cyclist's blood's ability to carry oxygen to working muscles. CERA which, as it only came on to the market this year, has never been tested for during a cycle race before this year's Tour, works to extend the benefits of EPO meaning that a cyclist would not need to inject so frequently.
Hopes for a Clean Tour Dashed
After similar scandals had stunned recent editions of the race, Tour organiser - Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) had opted to take full control of the race by operating the Tour outside of the jurisdiction of the governing body of cycling – the UCI. The hope being that by controlling all aspects of the race they would improve the chances of having a scandal free tour.
They had sent a strong message to all the teams by not inviting team Astana to the race, the only major team not present, after Astana riders had tested positive during the 2007 race. This despite the team undergoing a radical reworking during the close season, including a complete change of management and signing 2007 Tour champion Alberto Contador.
Such hopes however were harmed when first of all Manuel Beltran of Liquigas and then Moises Duenas of Barloworld both failed tests for EPO. Whilst clearly disappointing these were not widely known riders and so, whilst well reported, the test failures hadn't distracted attention too much from the action on the road. Unfortunately, with the positive test of a high profile rider such as Ricco, that has now all changed.
Saunier Duval Leaving Tour
As Stage 12 got underway Ricco was being interviewed by French police - taking performance enhancing drugs is a criminal offence in France. In addition the Saunier Duval team were packing their bags having taken the decision to leave the race - team director Joxean Fernandez saying 'we are surprised and shocked, we just found out 10 minutes ago. We are suspending all activities of the team until we can understand what happened.'
With Saunier Duval leaving the race it remains to be seen whether or not the two other teams (Liquigas and Barloworld) who have had riders record positive results choose to follow Saunier Duval's example. However, with ASO announcing that they will be holding a press conference after the finish of stage 12, it may be that the decision will be made for them.
