October 6/08 2:05 am - Piepoli and Schumacher Tour Tests Show EPO Usage

Posted by Editor on 10/6/08
 

Piepoli and Schumacher Tour Tests Show EPO Usage

Today, French and Italian officials confirmed Italian rider Leonardo Piepoli had been found to have doped not once, but twice (after testing on July 4th and 15th). Within two hours of the Piepoli announcement, the French publication L'Equipe announced (and now confirmed by his Gerolsteiner team) that German Stefan Schumacher, winner of two time trials at this year's Tour, and holder of the yellow jersey for 2 days, had also tested positive for banned substances. There was been no official confirmation of the Schumacher positive.

Both riders were found to have used the newest EPO version known as CERA (Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator). Piepoli rode for the Saunier Duval-Scott team of Ricardo Ricco, who was just handed a two year ban for his use of EPO CERA at the Tour, and Schumacher for Gerolsteiner. Both sponsors are leaving the sport this year.

It had been announced previously that the French anti doping agency would be re-testing a number samples from this year's Tour. Further reports can be found:

AFP

CBC Sports

Eurosport

CNN

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