LPR Brakes fires Di Luca over doping charges

LPR Brakes Farnese Vini has dismissed Danilo Di Luca, effective July 23. The Italian had tested positive twice for the third generation blood booster EPO-CERA during this year's Giro d'Italia, where he finished in second place.

Di Luca “will also be held responsible for all damage” to the reputation of both the sponsor and the team said the squad's management company, BF Cycling Management, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport. The Italian newspaper also reported that BF Cycling Management has instructed its attorneys to commence legal proceedings.

The 33-year-old Di Luca tested positive on May 20 (stage 11) and May 28 (stage 18). The positive results were first announced on July 22 and Di Luca was immediately suspended from competition by the International Cycling Union (UCI). His B-samples were subsequently confirmed positive earlier this month by the Châtenay-Malabry laboratory in Paris.

Di Luca's hearing before the Disciplinary Committee of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) is scheduled for August 26. He faces anywhere from a two-year to a lifetime suspension if the charges are upheld. He previously served a three-month suspension in 2007 for his involvement in the “Oil for Drugs” investigation.