February 2/10 12:36 pm - UCI Hands Out Anti-Doping Fines

Posted by Editoress on 02/2/10
 

In accordance with the new provisions of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules that came into force on January 1, 2009, financial penalties have been imposed on riders who were recently suspended by their respective National Federations following the conclusion of proceedings opened against the riders during last season.

Article 326 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules establishes a fine corresponding to the net annual income of any rider committing an offence sanctioned by a suspension of two years or more. Consequently, the first financial penalties are imposed on the following riders:

Maurizio Biondo (ITA):  13,750 euros
Inigo Landaluze (ESP):  27,300 euros
Danilo Di Luca (ITA):   280,000 euros

This measure, backed by the UCI’s allocation of the sums collected to the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF), will certainly contribute to making the fight against doping more effective. It also confirms the UCI's determination and commitment in this sphere and once again makes cycling the leading sport in terms of rooting out all forms of cheating.

After the "Commitment to a New Cycling" signed by riders in 2007, the inclusion of Article 326 in the Anti-Doping Rules represents another crucial step towards making athletes more responsible for their actions.

The UCI is confident that implementing this new provision of the regulations will complement the broad range of preventative measures and dissuasive policies that have been applied to cycling in order to rid the sport of the scourge of doping.

UCI press release