Last year's Tour de France King of the Mountains, Franco Pellizotti, will be watching tomorrow's Prologue from the comfort of his home in Italy. The former podium finisher at the Giro d'Italia was taken out of competition by the UCI for irregular blood values found through the UCI's Biological Passport. Since his suspension just days before the start of the Giro, however, nothing has happened in his case.
Pellizotti is justifiably frustrated, and in a short interview with Tuttobiciweb he lets on to how difficult the last two months have been.
"I try to read the newspapers and not think about my absurd situation. Fortunately, my wife in particular, stays very close to me and helps me in my moments of despair. It gives me great comfort that the media and social networks support me. Even strangers on the street give me comfort when they see me."
There was talk a few weeks ago of Pellizotti returning for not only the Italian Championships, but also the Tour de France as well. Nothing came of the speculation though.
"Certainly my presence in the races could embarrass the team and especially my friends, both for the inevitable media pressure on myself, my team, and the organizers as well. In agreement with the team, which also supports me and believes in me, we have decided to keep me out of racing until the situation has been clarified, or at least until there is a decision from the anti-doping prosecutor."
Next for Pellizotti? More waiting. He says that there is no sign of anything happening in the near future.
"I know that my attorneys have asked the anti-doping prosecutor to request the necessary documentation from the UCI, but it has not happened yet. I was stopped four days before the start of the Giro d'Italia, now I will watch the Tour. I do not know what to think. I do not understand why the UCI will not clarify my position as soon as possible and is dragging on so slowly with the procedure. I'm a victim of a grave injustice, and unfortunately, there's no glimpse of an end."