Former drugs cheat Ricco signs for Dutch team

Former drugs cheat Riccardo Ricco signed for Dutch cycling team Vacansoleil yesterday on a two year contract, his new outfit announced.

The 26-year-old returned from a 20-month suspension in March after he was found to have taken CERA during the 2008 Tour de France.

Ricco – nicknamed the ‘Cobra’ – rode for Ceramica Flaminia this season but wanted to move to a bigger team and Vacansoleil fitted the bill as they are seeking to be allocated a ProTour licence for next term.

“The sponsor and the sporting team believe that Riccardo Ricco, who has been punished, deserves a second chance,” said Vacansoleil manager Daan Luijkx.

“Riccardo has paid his debt. In the past few years, riders who have previously been suspended have helped to restore a cleaner image to cycling. Riccardo is going to join this group.”

Ricco, who passed his medical at the beginning of the week, is hoping to make his debut for the team in Sunday’s Grand Prix de Plouay provided he receives in time authorisation from the sport’s governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI).