Sella training for August return

Italian Emanuele Sella is training and in search of a team for his return to cycling August 18, when his one-year doping ban ends.

"I have a few teams in mind, but I still need to sign. My agent is working closely on it, but I want to wait to say anything," Sella told Cyclingnews. yesterday

The International Cycling Union (UCI) caught Sella in an out of competition control July 23, 2008, at his home in Vicenza. Its blood control revealed him positive for third generation blood booster Erythropoietin (EPO), CERA.

Because Sella, 28, cooperated with prosecutors the Italian anti-doping tribunal issued him a shorter ban. He has retained some of his fitness during his time away from competition and is now preparing for his expected return.

"I am riding long distances, from two to four hours, sometimes up to seven hours. I like to train and to ride my bike even if at first it was hard to deal with not being a 'racer', but this feeling passed after a little bit of time."

Sella won three stages in the 2008 Giro d'Italia – Alpe di Pampeago, Passo Fedaia and Tirano – and the climber's jersey. His positive control just came over one month later and cast doubt on his performance.

"What can I say? Some results are the result of hard work. I was under the same controls as everyone else, and I passed them."

Sella had to follow the 2009 Giro d'Italia via television. "It was a little different this year, but it is always a beautiful race. Monte Petrano was really beautiful and forced out the strong riders. I would have liked to be there, not just for one stage, but for it all."

Depending on which team he signs for he could have the option to ride the Vuelta a España, August 29 to September 20. He explained that his main goal is to return to racing this autumn and that he is unconcerned the specific races.

Sella became professional with team Ceramica Panaria, now CSF Group, in 2004. He stayed with the team up until his positive control and subsequent contract termination.