Giro d'Italia winner gets two-year ban

CYCLING: Danilo Di Luca has been handed a two-year ban by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) for a positive doping test.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Feb 2010, 18:14 BST

Updated 1st Feb 2010, 20:35 BST

Di Luca tested positive for CERA, an advanced version of the blood booster EPO, during last year’s Giro d’Italia.

The 34-year-old 2007 Giro d’Italia winner has also been fined E280,000.

Di Luca is set to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“We will turn to CAS,” said Di Luca. “There is still a lot to battle for but I remain confident.

“In any case it will not be the end of my career, I still have a lot to give. I am convinced I will be able to return before two years.”

Di Luca’s ban will expire on July 21, 2011.