Moreni handed two-year doping ban

The 35-year-old Cofidis rider tested positive for testosterone during the 11th stage of the Tour, which was won by Discovery's Alberto Contador.

Moreni, who was Italian champion in 2004, immediately acknowledged his guilt after testing positive without even requesting his B sample be tested.

His French team withdrew from the Tour and Moreni was later fired.

It spelt the end of the tour for Britain's Bradley Wiggins, an Olympic gold medallist riding with Moreni on the Cofidis team.

606: DEBATE
Is a two-year ban long enough?

Moreni was the second rider to be thrown out of the race, 24 hours after pre-race favourite Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for blood doping.

Vinokourov's Astana team also withdrew from the race and dismissed their Ukranian rider.

Rabobank then sacked Michael Rasmussen, who was leading the race with four stages remaining, for lying about his whereabouts in the build-up to the event after he missed four dope tests.

Meanwhile, Tour de France organisers have announced that the 2009 race will start in Monaco.

London hosted the start of this year's race, and Brittany is due to get the race going in 2008.

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