Disgraced Tour rider Moreni released from custody

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

PAU, France (AFP) — Disgraced Cofidis rider Cristian Moreni of Italy was released from police custody on Thursday after being detained since Wednesday, announced the Pau county prosecutor.

Moreni was arrested in south western French town of Pau for questioning after the Italian failed a doping control on July 19 which subsequently led to the rider and his team to withdraw from the Tour de France.

"Moreni has been released as from 1530 local time," said Erick Maurel, "The first wave of hearings is over."

The Italian rider, who declined a second analysis after testing positive for high levels of testosterone, is not the subject of a specific criminal examination.

"The investigations will continue though, with new hearings, and scientific evaluations...