Damiano Caruso, accused of consuming banned substance, might face a four-year ban
According to the Italian Cycling Committee (CONI), Liquigas-Cannondale cyclist, Damiano Caruso, has violated article 2.8 of the
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. The Cyclist has been accused of trying to consume banned substances.
Damiano is now at risk of facing a four-year ban for violating the WADA code of conduct. The ban however will be implemented from December 2010 and he will not be able to make a return to professional cycling before the end of 2012.
CONI, in a statement, pressed charges against Damiano for “Complicity in the attempted acquisition of banned substances”. The nature of substance has not been disclosed.
The 24-year-old finished 9th at the Tour de l’Avenir and his 10th place finish at the World Championship 2008 has been amongst his best performances.
Caruso started his professional career in 2009 with Team LPR Brakes Farnese Vini and stayed with the team for one year. He joined Team De Rosa-Stac Plastic in 2010.
He joined the Italian Team, Liquigas-Cannondale, in 2011 and the team mentioned that the alleged charges go way back in time. The team mentioned that Caruso was accused of such accusations in 2007.
The team mentioned, “When the rider was not a professional, and was a member of the Mastromarco amateur team. Liquigas Sport wishes to underline its own desire to know more of the details of the matter and is granting the rider Caruso the possibility of
clarifying his own position with the appropriate bodies as soon as possible”.
The team also stated that it will not react to the allegations unless anything was proved, as Damiano’s fate will be decided by the jury. Liquigas mentioned in a statement, “At the moment, the team will not take any action against the rider until sporting
justice brings its own work to a conclusion”.
Team Liquigas will participate in the cycling events as a WorldTour Team in the coming season. It has re-signed most of the cyclists from the current season to continue in 2012.
Davide Cimolai is one rider who has left the Italian Team after representing it for 2010-11.
The Italian Cycling Committee has appealed against Damiano and WADA has started the hearing. It will be interesting to see what decision is taken on his case, whether or not the four-year ban will be implemented.