Michele Scarponi racing the Coppi e Bartali. (Image credit: Sirotti)
The Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) announced Tuesday that it recommended Acqua e Sapone rider Michele Scarponi be handed an 18 month suspension for his involvement in the Operación Puerto doping network. CONI anti-doping prosecutor Ettore Torri has now referred the case to the Italian cycling federation's disciplinary committee who will hear Scarponi then decide the official length of suspension.
The 27 year-old is accused of violating articles 2.2 (use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or prohibited method) and 2.6 (possession of prohibited substances or prohibited methods) of the World Anti-Doping Code.
UCI anti-doping rules state that a first offence should incur a two year suspension from competition. CONI did not state in its release why the period was less than that recommended by the UCI.
