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Riccardo Ricco (Saunier Duval-Prodir) is all smiles at the start

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AFLD correct in wake of 2008 Tour de France positives

In a rare sign of unity within cycling's governance, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has recognised the decisions of the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) in relation to doping tests during the 2008 Tour de France.

Manuel Beltrán, Moises Dueñas, Bernhard Kohl, Stefan Schumacher, Leonardo Piepoli and Riccardo Riccò (pictured, right) were all caught after testing positive for EPO-CERA during last year's Tour and suspensions given accordingly. The sport's governing body released a statement acknowledging the role the French agency played in policing anti-doping efforts.

"Following an examination of the decisions made by the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) with regard to positive doping test results during the 2008 Tour de France, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has decided to extend the sanctions announced by the French agency to international level in accordance with the prevailing regulations," it said.

"As a result, on 28 July, the UCI requested the relevant National Federations to withdraw the licences of Manuel Beltrán, Moises Dueñas, Bernhard Kohl, Leonardo Piepoli and Riccardo Riccò for two years from the applicable dates."

This means Riccò, Dueñas, Schumacher, Piepoli and Beltrán will be eligible to ride again after July 2010, although it's unlikely the latter two will return to the sport. Kohl, meanwhile, announced his retirement this year.

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