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Pozzato called before CONI anti-doping prosecutor
Italian rider Filippo Pozzato (Farnese-Vini), who is preparing to compete in the London Olympics, has been called to appear before the anti-doping prosecutor of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI).
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CONI said in a statement that Pozzato had been summonsed to explain "news which has appeared in the press concerning him".
La Repubblica on Saturday claimed that the former Milan-San Remo winner had links with Dr Michele Ferrari, who this week had doping charges brought against him by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) along with seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and four other people.
The Italian federation has for several years forbidden any of their members from having contract with the controversial Ferrari, because of his sketchy past. Filippo Simeoni famously accused Ferrari of supplying him with and advising him on illicit drug use, but the charges were absolved in 2006
Pozzato's lawyer has denied that the Farnese Vini rider is under investigation as part of the Padova-based inquiry into the activities of Ferrari.
Pozzato pulled out of the Giro d'Italia last month after suffering a right wrist fracture on the 10th stage.
Pozzato had his strongest classic's campaign in 2012, and along with compatriot Alessandro Ballan was the only rider capable of competing with the dominance of Tom Boonen.
His Farnese Vini team will not compete in this summer's Tour de France.
