Italian Danilo Di Luca, winner of the 2007 Giro d'Italia, is facing a suspension of two years if the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has its way. Head anti-doping prosecutor Ettore Torri is asking for the 32 year-old of LPR Brakes to be barred form cycling based on doping controls taken following the Giro stage to Monte Zoncolan, May 30; however, Di Luca insists there was no foul play that night.
"I have said many times to Torri that I did not make that injection, also if I would have done it the doctor would have declared it, and then there would not have been the time to do it," he said during an interview on Italy's LA7.
CONI suspects that the then Liquigas rider was subjected to injections that altered his hormone level in the time between the International Cycling Union (UCI) anti-doping control following the stage (he finished fourth - ed.) and the surprise – and controversial – control by CONI later on that same evening.
"The day after I had a flat stage, so an injection would have been useless," Di Luca continued.
He has not raced since the initial CONI announcement on February 27, and in general, is not pleased with his treatment. "We cyclists are like criminals under house arrest. Just like criminals we are made to sign all of our papers for accountability, we no longer have a private life."
Di Luca recently asked for his April 1 hearing date with CONI to be moved up, and had continued to remain confident in vindication.
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