Riccardo RICCO tested positive for EPO-Cera in the 4th stage of the Tour de France 2008, and was excluded from the race before the start of the 12th stage. He admitted the use of doping, and was suspended by the Italian Federation until 30 July 2010: he received 18 months suspension for using EPO, and an additional 6 months for having consulted doctor Carlos Santuccione.
In March 2009, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the ban to 20 months, on the grounds of active cooperation. Ricco is now suspended until 17 March 2010.