Cycling-Di Luca cleared of doping by Italian judge

AUTUN, France, July 12 (Reuters) The 2007 Giro d'Italia winner Danilo Di Luca moved a step closer to avoiding a doping ban today, when he was cleared by an Italian judge of involvement in a long-running police investigation into doping.

''Danilo Di Luca will not be called upon to answer any charges in the 'Oil for Drugs' enquiry. The Giro d'Italia winner's case has actually been dismissed by the examining judge of Pescara,'' his team Liquigas said in a statement today.

Di Luca was under investigation by Italian police in the probe, which has been running since 2004 and focuses on doctor Carlo Santuccione, who is alleged to have supplied athletes with doping products.

On Saturday, the 31-year-old rider is set to meet with the anti-doping wing of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) to answer questions relating to the investigation.

His chances of avoiding a ban are improved by the decision of the civil judiciary to close the case against him.

NOT SURPRISED ''I've always said I was convinced the case against me would be closed. I can't therefore say I'm surprised, even if I feel huge relief,'' Di Luca was quoted as saying on the Liquigas Web site (www.teamliquigas.it).

''Now I face another important step -- the meeting with CONI's anti-doping prosecutor Ettore Torri.

''For me, the judgement of the sports justice system counts as much as that of the ordinary justice system.

''I know that many young people look up to me as a role model, especially after my win at the Giro. This is another reason why I don't want, and can't allow, my credibility to be questioned.

''I will go to Saturday's hearing with a constructive approach, certain of being able to demonstrate my innocence just like I have in the civil investigation.'' A second rider called in for questioning in the 'Oil for Drugs' probe, third-placed Giro finisher Eddy Mazzoleni, will appear before CONI's anti-doping committee tomorrow.

REUTERS BJR VV2136