MILAN -- Italian cyclist Riccardo Ricco says he has signed a
deal with the Quick-Step team that will allow him to race in major
tours following a doping ban.
Ricco told the Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday that he has signed
through the end of 2011, but the Belgian team hasn't announced the
deal.
Ricco began racing with Ceramica Flaminia in March following a
20-month ban for doping at the 2008 Tour de France. But the small
Italian team was not invited to major races and announced Thursday
it had terminated Ricco's contract.
Ricco says he would like to race the Spanish Vuelta with
Quick-Step in two weeks.
Ricco tested positive for the advanced blood booster CERA after
winning two mountain stages of the 2008 Tour.