ROME (AP) The Italian Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutor requested a life ban for former Giro d'Italia winner Danilo Di Luca on Monday following the cyclist's third career offense.
Prosecutor Tammaro Maiello issued the request and the case will now be decided by CONI's anti-doping court.
The 37-year-old Di Luca tested positive for the blood booster EPO in a surprise test in April, five days before this year's Giro.
After a hearing with the prosecutor last month, Di Luca did not deny doping, saying that the case "doesn't change much" for his fans.
The Vini Fantini-Selle Italia squad fired Di Luca immediately after the positive test was announced with the Giro nearly finished.