Riccardo Riccò is an Italian professional road bicycle racer, who is suspended from all competition until 2024. He was previously ejected from the 2008 Tour de France for doping violations and suspended. Riccò returned to competition in late 2010, but in February 2011 he was fired by his team, Vacansoleil–DCM, after he became seriously ill allegedly through a self-administered autologous blood transfusion. He then signed to UCI Continental team Meridiana–Kamen.
Riccò in 2011
Ricco during the 2008 Giro d'Italia, wearing the white jersey as leader of the young rider classification
The 2008 Tour de France was the 95th running of the race. The event took place from 5 to 27 July. Starting in the French city of Brest, the tour entered Italy on the 15th stage and returned to France during the 16th, heading for Paris, its regular final destination, which was reached in the 21st stage. The race was won by Carlos Sastre.
Romain Feillu was the only French cyclist to wear the yellow jersey in the 2008 Tour de France; he wore it for one day after stage 3.
Writing on the street during Tour de France 2008 at Alpe d'Huez, satirically saying that EPO is available in 500 meters.
Stefan Schumacher tested positive for MIRCERA following additional testing of his blood samples.
Team CSC received €450,000 for the overall victory of Carlos Sastre.
