Italy omit Di Luca for world champs

Eurosport - Tue, 16 Sep 12:34:00 2008

Danilo Di Luca has been omitted from the Italian men's team for the world championships later this month, coach Franco Ballerini has announced.

CYCLING 2008 Giro d'Italia danilo di luca lpr - 0

Di Luca, the 2007 Giro d'Italia champion, has struggled to regain his form after being cleared of wrongdoing in a doping probe.

Paolo Bettini, who won last year's elite competition at the world championships in Stuttgart, has been named in the nine-man team for the September 28 road race in the northern Italian town of Varese.

His selection comes despite a punishing schedule including the current Tour of Spain.

"I understand Di Luca's bitterness but Paolo is in excellent form and is better than a year ago in Stuttgart," Ballerini said.

Reuters

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  1. Can`t believe that Ballerini has chosen Cunego ahead of DiLuca. Cunego has been one big disappointment this year & Danilo rode his heart out in the TOB

    From Bikefan, on Thu 18 Sep 6:38AM

  2. Had his suspension anything to do with it?

    From Reyros, on Tue 16 Sep 10:46AM

  3. THE KILLER will come back to kill! FORZA DANILO!!!

    From lady warrior, on Mon 15 Sep 9:22PM

  4. Its a shame Bettini is in he is a lazy lump he hasnt bothered for 11 months putting on a stone and a half and only starts to try when Quickstep sign Schumaker he is finished not a very strong advert for world champ

    From Robert, on Mon 15 Sep 4:48PM

  5. Sadly, this isnt the first time that Danilo has been overlooked for the 'Worlds' but hopefully it might be an incentive to prove Ballerini was wrong with a repeat victory in the Tour Of Lompardy. 'Forza The Killer!'.

    From ERIC D., on Mon 15 Sep 3:26PM

  6. What a pity!! DiLuca was really prominent in the Tour of Britain, and having a Grand Tour winner in the Peloton gave the ToB extra significance this year. Perhaps his presence could set an example for other teams and their Superstars, emphasising that the Tour of Britain is now an important part of the International Cycling schedule, and not to be ignored.

    From William R, on Mon 15 Sep 3:22PM

  7. I am disappointed! I have hoped that we shall see him on sept.28. I wishes him to won the Giro next year! And world championships! FORZA, DANILO, THE KILLER!

    From Emilija Jana, on Mon 15 Sep 3:07PM
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