Giro Won't Re-Test Samples for CERA, New Form of EPO . . . But Why?

This is not good.What possible reason could Giro race director Angelo Zomegnan have for not agreeing to re-test Giro samples for CERA? Asked that very questoin, the best he could come up with was, "The Giro d'Italia has already made the necessary checks. The labs and the UCI have told us these tests were done and nothing was found that could be taken as suspect. It's useless to ask for more." Wow.

This is bad for cycling on several fronts. First, it significantly calls into question the ethics of the Giro d'Italia, the most beautiful of the three grand tours. If Zomegnan refuses to re-test the samples for CERA with the latest protocol, he is without a doubt doing a huge disservice to his race. Hopefully he'll change his mind.

Riccardo Ricco, the second placed overall finisher at the Giro, displayed the same explosive climbing talent in Italy that he did a month later in France. He was positive for CERA at the Tour, what is to say he wasn't doped at the Giro? Already under suspicion, Ricco is viewed by many as a cheat, and guilty by default of doping at the Giro.

Although it is painful, it is absolutely necessary to test pro cyclists to the fullest extent, especially in the prestigious grand tours. The Giro will be known now as a race that is leniant against doping. Zomegnan will be viewed as more concerned with making sure the top Italians succeed and ride in his race than whether they are doing so safely. Lance Armstrong has hinted that he would like to use the Giro as preparation for the Tour next year. With this recent news, the Texan would be well advised to stay far away.

The same goes for Ivan Basso, the UCI's ne "Anti-Doping Ambassador." Basso should take a firm stand against Zomegnan and state that he won't ride at a race that isn't doing everything it can to hold dopers accountable. More and more, Zomegnan is appearing to belong amongst the old school villians like Checcini, Fuentes, and Saiz. But it's not too late. Re-test the samples, hold all cheaters accountable, and retain the good reputation of your race Angelo. Or suffer the wrath of a weary and fed up fan base worldwide.