Controversial cyclist Marco Pantani was once again in the spotlight yesterday when he was quizzed by investigators in Florence as part of a doping inquiry concerning possible EPO use prior to the Olympics. The 1998 Tour de France winner, who in December was found guilty of separate doping charges, is currently under scrutiny due to reports that a blood sample taken before the Olympics may have exceeded the 50% hematocrit (red blood cell) threshold permitted by the UCI.
Such a reading is suggestive, although not proof, of EPO use and if true, should have resulted in a two-week suspension for the Italian. Indeed such a finding led to his ejection two days from the end of the 1999 Tour of Italy while almost assured of victory. Pantani is one of 60 athletes who in the past were treated by Professor Francesco Conconi, who is suspected to be at the centre of a widespread doping ring.
Investigators also recently confiscated the medical records of two more riders on the Italian Olympic team, namely Francesco Casagrande and Paolo Bettini. Investigators interviewed Bettini on Monday.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
