French cyclist Richard Virenque has lodged an appeal against the nine month suspension he was handed down last month. Virenque, who recently confessed to doping after two years of denials, yesterday lodged the appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. The 31 year old has protested that the nine month ban, which effectively prevents him from competing this season, is excessively long and could force him to retire.
Virenque's case is expected to be heard within four months, handing him a chance of competing in the Tour de France should the hearing prove successful. Although the five times King of the Mountains winner has not yet signed for a team for the current season, French squads Confidis and Jean Delatour have indicated that they would be willing to hand the disgraced rider a contract.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
