CONI's Torri talks with Fanini

Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) anti-doping prosecutor Ettore Torri requested a meeting and heard Ivano Fanini yesterday in Rome based on Fanini's comments on Marco Pantani to how cyclists might be warned of upcoming doping controls, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Italian paper reported that Fanini, Team Manager of Amore & Vita-McDonald's and outspoken anti-doping critic, did not provide enough concrete evidence for Torri to open any formal investigations.

In August, Fanini suggested teams knew of doping, but took a hands-off approach. Regarding the doping cases of Riccardo Riccò and Emanuele Sella, he said, "It is very doubtful that at the base of these teams there is organised doping. ... Their reasoning is this: For us it is not important how you win, we don't control the way you prepare nor with whom you do it, but if they catch you we will fire you and save our ship."

Fanini also suggested that Liquigas' Leonardo Bertagnolli trained under the guidance of Doctor Michele Ferrari and that inside sources tipped off two-time World Champion Paolo Bettini prior to doping controls.

CONI's Torri is open to further meetings with Fanini.