October 5, 2008 – Here is the latest doping update from the pro cycling world with current doping scandals and other news including Operation Puerto, Italy’s Ricardo Ricco, Luxembourg’s Frank Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank Team) and Alexander Vinokourov….

Puerto Closed Again With No Charges
The Operation Puerto case was closed by a Madrid court on Thursday on its second round through the system, according to Reuters. The court concluded that no criminal offences had been committed in the case that was reopened earlier this year when doctors involved were implicated with offences against public health. It was deemed, however, that it was impossible to prove cyclists involved in the doping scandal had been physically harmed. Read the Reuters story here.

Ricco Banned for 2 Years
Ricardo Ricco received a two-year ban from the Italian Olympic Committee on Thursday, after the cyclist admitted to doping during the 2008 Tour de France, reported Associated Press. The winner of two Tour stages tested positive for a complex form of EPO during the Tour and was consequently thrown out of the race and was fired by his team, Saunier Duval. Read the Associated Press story here.

Schleck Agrees to DNA Test
Luxembourg’s Frank Schleck of the CSC-Saxo Bank Team has agreed to provide a DNA sample in an attempt to clear his name after he was connected to Operation Puerto, reports AP. An investigation revealed a bank transfer from Schleck to Puerto doctor, Eufemiano Fuentes, in March 2006. Schleck admits to the transfer but insists he only received advice and did not partake in any doping. Schleck has since been temporarily suspended by his team. Read the Associated Press story here.

Vino’s Plan to Return Quashed by UCI
Alexander Vinokourov, who retired after being given a two-year ban for blood doping during the 2007 Tour de France, announced his intention yesterday to return to professional cycling with the Astana Team, according to Belgian television network Sporza. Reuters reports that Vino’s plan was quashed by UCI president Pat McQuaid who reminded the Kazakh rider that he would be required to serve his two-year suspension first. Read the Reuters story here.