The Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal has today acquitted Franco Pellizotti of charges relating to irregularities in his biological passport. On May 3rd, just before the start of the Giro d'Italia, the UCI announced that they had requested disciplinary procedures against Pellizotti for "apparent violation of the Anti-Doping Rules on the basis of the information provided by the blood profiles in their biological passports". Pellizotti, who denied the charges, was unable to start the Giro which began on May 8th, nor was he able to compete for the rest of the season.
Italy's anti-doping prosecutor, Ettore Torri, had requested a two year ban. In declaring its acquital the Tribunal found that "there is not sufficient evidence to prove maniupulation."
"I am delighted, and could not be otherwise, after the acquittal by this national anti-doping tribunal," said Pellizotti. "Sure, I lost a season and now I will claim damages against the Union Cycliste Internationale."
Photo: Pellizotti at 2009 Tour de France
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