Preliminary charges filed against Ricco

PARIS (AP) — A prosecutor says preliminary doping-related charges have been filed against ousted Tour de France rider Riccardo Ricco.

The Italian rider tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO during cycling's showcase race. Antoine Leroy, prosecutor in the French city of Foix, said Friday that preliminary charges had been filed against the cyclist for "use of a poisonous substance."

Leroy said Ricco has been released from custody. He is not allowed to meet anyone from his Saunier-Duval cycling team.

Ricco won two Tour de France stages this year.