08/18/2010| 0 comments
by AP, with additional commentary by Roadcycling.com

Riccardo Ricco Shuns Team QuickStep for Team Vacansoleil

Riccardo Ricco is signing with the second-tier Dutch cycling team Vacansoleil after a verbal agreement with Belgian squad Quick-Step fell apart.

July 11, 2010 - Vienna, Austria - epa02244896 Italy's Riccardo Ricco of team Ceramica Flaminia celebrates on the podium after the final stage of the Cycling Tour of Austria from Podersdorf to Vienna, Austria, 11 July 2010. Ricco became overall winner of the Tour of Austria.

Riccardo Ricco is signing with the second-tier Dutch cycling team Vacansoleil after a verbal agreement with Belgian squad Quick-Step fell apart.

The deal lasts through the end of the 2012 season.

Ricco began racing with Ceramica Flaminia in March following a 20-month ban for doping at the 2008 Tour de France, but the small Italian squad wasn't invited to any major races.

Vacansoleil team manager Daan Luijkx believes his squad will get invites with Ricco aboard. He adds that the rider "deserves a second chance" and says that he is one of the few cyclists capable of finishing on the podium in major three-week races.

Ricco tested positive for the advanced blood booster CERA after winning two mountain stages of the 2008 Tour de France.