2007 Giro d'Italia: Schleck can't ask for more

Di Luca's win in limbo

Italian Danilo Di Luca will be lining up for the Settimana Lombarda tomorrow, the same day as an expert panel assembled by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) will review documents prepared by its anti-doping prosecutors. Di Luca faces a maximum two-year suspension and loss of the 2007 Giro d'Italia title based on adverse anti-doping controls found following the race's Zoncolan stage. Runner-up in the Grand Tour, Luxemburger Andy Schleck, has stated that he is happy with his placing and "cannot expect more".

Schleck, 22 years old, raced side-by-side with Di Luca during the Tirreno-Adriatico two weeks ago, the same competitor he faced in last year's Italian tour. Although he could not topple 'The Killer' in the three-week Giro, he finished only 1'55" back and took home the maglia bianca for best young rider.

"I have read what they are saying on Cyclingnews. Of course, if he is banned and [CONI] takes the pink jersey from him, then I win, but that is not the way I want to," Schleck said to Cyclingnews.

It was the first Grand Tour for Schleck, younger brother of Fränk Schleck. "I am happy with what I got: the young rider jersey in my first Giro. Also, for a lot of people I was the heart-felt winner because I was new and it was unexpected. I cannot expect more."

He indicated that he fell in love with Italy during the race and would like to return and win the race some day; however, Schleck will forgo the Giro this year and will line-up with CSC in the Tour de France. He is currently building his form for the Ardennes Classics.

The expert panel, Giudice di Ultima Istanza (GUI), will convene at 10:00 in Roma; it is made up of Prof. Vincenzo Toscano, Università La Sapienza Roma, Prof. Riccardo Lubrano Università La Sapienza Roma, Prof. Romolo Dorizzi Università di Verona and Prof. Alfredo Pontecorvi Università Cattolica Agostino Gemelli Roma.