Florence, Italy, 2017 – Riccardo Ricco, the pro cyclist who is now ‘enjoying’ his time off after being banned from cycling for doping, says he would rather have doping than hidden motors in races.
The Italian cyclist who nearly killed himself after a blood transfusion back in 2011, is now facing his second suspension from professional cycling that is active until 2024. Currently, he says he is selling gelato in Spain in order to make a living.
“Are riders clean now? I am out of the peloton now, I don’t know,” Riccò told La Gazzetta dello Sport a day ago.
“It’s bad to think whether or not people preferred this cycling to the one from a few years ago. Chemical help under the control of a doctor, even if it’s called ‘doping’, is less dangerous than racing a hypothetical Tour on bread and water.”
“And can I add that I prefer chemical doping to motors? At least you have to have the courage to bet on yourself. With motors it’s another sport. I would never be able to use them. I’d feel like crap.”
Ricco aka “The Cobra” saw his career’s peak in 2008 with two stage wins, wining the best young rider prize, and taking second place to Alberto Contador in the Giro d’Italia.
Trouble in Paradise
It was when he won two stages at the Tour de France with Team Saunier Duval, when he first failed a routine anti-doping test for CERA-EPO. Sadly, his big return with Team Vacansoleil didn’t last and in 2011, he botched a blood transfusion at his home that put him in a serious life-threating situation.
“Yes,” he claimed after being asked if he was afraid of doping. “Afraid of being caught by the anti-doping tests. For this reason, I always did less than they said. I never worried about my health.”
“Most managers and agents only think about making money. It makes me sick,” he added. “Also, talking about doping, there are managers that know everything and give you the addresses where to go.
“The cyclists and teams pay in cycling. I’d extend the responsibility to the managers and, for the youth, the families.”
Finally, he admitted to plan on returning back on the road even though he will be 40 when his ban will come to an end.
“I will return to race. In 2024, when my ban ends, I’ll be 40 and I’ll still be competitive. If a team doesn’t want me, I’ll create my own.”
