Ricco caught out by the co-operation of drug makers and testers

Published on Wednesday 23 July 2008 23:36

RICCARDO Ricco's blood doping case on the Tour de France was uncovered because of a molecule planted in the banned substance by the drug manufacturer, insists John Fahey, head of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Ricco, 24, won two stages before he was expelled from the Tour last week when his positive test for the blood-booster EPO was confirmed by the French anti-doping agency.

Fahey said Roche Pharmaceuticals placed a molecule in its product CERA – Continuous Erythropietin Receptor Activator – when developing the drug to help anti-doping authorities detect illegal use.

"I can't tell you the details of how he was detected," said Fahey. "But I can indicate the particular substance is called CERA ... which is a perfectly legitimate substance to deal with anaemia. In the development of that substance close co-operation occurred between WADA and the pharmaceutical company Roche Pharmaceuticals so that there was a molecule placed in the substance well in advance that was always going to be able to be detected once a test was undertaken."

Fahey said co-operation between sports authorities and drug manufacturers was a step forward in the fight against doping. "There's more and more of this occurring," he said. "The more cooperation the scientists can have with the drug companies in the detection of performance-enhancing drugs the greater the likelihood is they will be detected when tests are undertaken."

Pierre Bordry, the head of the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) had earlier this week revealed that Ricco, the Saunier Duval team leader, had tried to flee anti-doping officials after the fourth stage on 8 July.

"When he knew he was going to be tested, he went off, and it is the escort who caught him up," Bordry said on Tuesday. "He found himself blocked off. There was a traffic jam of cars and he could not get through the cars."

Meanwhile, Saunier Duval have announced they are pulling out of cycling sponsorship with immediate effect. Their decision comes after the Saunier Duval-Scott team withdrew from the Tour following Ricco's positive test.

Another Italian and stage winner, Leonardo Piepoli, 36, was also sacked for "a violation of the team's ethics code".

The German heating technology firm, part of the Vaillant Group, have sponsored the team since 2004, when it was established as Saunier Duval-Prodir.

Saunier Duval president, Thierry Leroy, had said he felt "deceived and angry" in the wake of the doping revelations.

On Saturday, Barloworld announced they would leave cycling when the Tour de France has ended.

Their Spanish rider Moises Duenas Nevado tested positive for a similar third-generation form of EPO, but unlike Saunier Duval, the South African team elected to continue in the race.