Italian cyclist Sella hit with one-year ban for doping

ROME (AP) -- Italian cyclist Emanuele Sella has been banned for one year for doping.

Sella, the top climber in this year's Giro d'Italia, tested positive in July for a new version of the blood booster EPO in an out-of-competion control.

He admitted to doping in a hearing before the Italian Olympic Committee in August.

The committee announced the ban Monday.

Sella received a reduced ban -- rather than the standard two-year suspension -- because he has been cooperating with the authorities.

Sella won three mountain stages at the Giro and took the green jersey given to the best climber, finishing sixth overall.

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