Bastianelli appeals suspension

Italian cyclist Marta Bastianelli filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for the one-year suspension issued by Italy's anti-doping tribunal in October. The 21-year-old 2007 World Champion tested positive for an appetite suppressant in July, but claims she did not take it to enhance her performance.

The tribunal reduced the suspension in half from what the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) anti-doping prosecutor requested in September. The Olympic committee made its decision after investigating the case, in which Bastianelli tested positive at the European Under 23 championships.

The one-year suspension will come to an end on August 6, 2009. The time frame means that Bastianelli will miss most of the season, but will be able to race the World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Bastianelli recently crashed and fractured her jaw on home roads near Rome. She faced two reconstructive surgeries, but should resume training this month.