As reported yesterday on VeloNation, Spanish rider Manuel ‘Triki’ Beltran faces a financial penalty after losing an appeal to the Aribitration Committee of the FCI (Federazione Ciclistica Italiana, or Italian Cycling Federation).
His former team Liquigas sought to fine him after he tested positive for EPO during the 2008 Tour de France, on the grounds that his conduct caused financial harm to the sponsor and the team.
Beltran refused to pay and appealed this decision, but will now have to cough up the cash.
According to reports in the Spanish media, the amount concerned is €100,000. Liquigas originally sought five times that sum, but team officials have said that they are nevertheless happy with the ruling.
“We are very pleased with this decision recognizing our company as a victim of the irresponsibility of an athlete.” said the chairman of Liquigas Sport, Paolo Dal Lago. “The decision to bring case against Beltran, with all costs in the case, was created primarily by the desire to send a strong message against those who destroy cycling.”
Judging by recent cases, Beltran must also pay a sum of up to 70% of his annual salary to the UCI. Financial penalties for doping have been introduced in recent years and are an additional deterrent against the use of banned substances.