Ricco Fired by Team for Testing Positive for EPO

ROME (AP) - July 18, 2008 The team said in a statement Friday that it felt it had been a "victim" of irresponsible behavior. Ricco, a 24-year-old Italian, won two Tour de France stages this year.

Team executive Marco Gianetti said the team has always carefully monitored its athletes. He said that despite a series of internal and external checks "we haven't been able to avoid this absurd situation."

The statement said rider Leonardo Piepoli was also fired for "violation of the team's ethical code."