Granted 15 days by prosecutor to assemble case
Liquigas-Doimo rider Franco Pellizotti went before the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) anti-doping prosecutor today at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. He was questioned about the irregularities that the International Cycling Union (UCI) found in his blood passport, which the sport’s governing body says could indicate doping.
Pellizotti, who was forced to miss this year’s Giro d’Italia because of the situation, repeated to CONI that he was innocent at the hearing. The Italian asked for a two-week extension to allow him to gather documentation to adequately defend his case. CONI’s anti-doping prosecutor Ettore Torri gave Pellizotti 15 days to put a case together that would explain the fluctuations in his blood profile.
The 32 year old finished third in last year’s Giro d’Italia last year and was expected to be a factor for the overall classification at the finish in Verona. He is currently facing a two-year suspension from competition.