Riccardo Ricco Could Get 12-Year Ban

Cyclist caught transfusing his own blood

Published October 12, 2011 12:00AM

The Italian Olympic Committee has recommended a 12-year ban on competition for Riccardo Ricco, an Italian cyclist and 2008 Tour de France stage winner who is facing his second doping charge. Ricco, who was suspended in 2008 for positive tests at the Tour de France, was admitted to a hospital for complications due to an alleged self-transfusion of his own blood in February. In addition to the ban, Ricco could face jail time.