Danilo Di Luca has been handed a two-year ban by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) for a positive doping test.
Di Luca tested positive for CERA, an advanced version of the blood booster EPO, during last year's Giro d'Italia.
On Monday, CONI's anti-doping prosecutor Ettore Torri had recommended a 36-month ban for the 34-year-old.
The 2007 Giro d'Italia winner has also been fined €280,000.
Di Luca is now set to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
‘We will turn to CAS,’ said Di Luca. ‘There is still a lot to battle for but I remain confident.
‘In any case it will not be the end of my career, I still have a lot to give.
‘I am convinced I will be able to return before two years.’
Di Luca's ban will expire on 21 July, 2011.
