SAUNIER DUVAL-SCOTT announce that just an hour before the start of today´s stage, the French anti-doping agency notified Riccardo Riccò that he´d tested positive for a banned substance after the fourth stage of the Tour de France 2008. Although the Tour organisers allow teams to continue to participate after a positive test, given Riccò ´s important role to the team in the race, SAUNIER DUVAL-SCOTT have decided to withdraw in order to preserve the positive image of the team´s sponsors and the Tour de France itself. Riccò has been suspended.
Moreover, the team decided to temporarily abandon competition activities until this unfortunate incident is clarified.
Despite the problems, this is probably the best move the team could make given their situation.
Saunier-Duval Scott Official Statement
An official statement regarding Riccò has been released.
Despite the problems, this is probably the best move the team could make given their situation.