Tuesday, may 21st:
The Gazetta dello sport first announces the news that Simoni reacted positive on a drug-test. It was an unannounced test just before the Giro del Trentino. In the urine of Simoni tracks of cocaine were found. The news came short after an other favorite Stefano Garzelli was sent home after two non-negative samples.
Wednesday, may 22nd:
Simoni's team Saeco sets up a press conference before the start of the 10th stage. They explain the incident as an accident. The reason was that Simoni visited the dentist and to benumb Simoni the dentist made use of a medicine containing cocaine. The same day there came a medical attest and now the only problem was that Simoni forgot to make notice of this medication in his medical passport. No problem for the UCI who says Simoni's story is believable and did not wanted to suspend Gibi. The case went through to the Italian federation. But Gibi was aloud to finish the Giro and he just started in the 10th stage.
Thursday, may 23rd:
The stage of the big revenge, or so it seemed. Ending upwards to Campitello Matese only Francesco Casagrande was able to follow Simoni and even after all those kilometres riding in the lead, as Casagrande never took over, Gibi still managed to win the sprint with two. An emotional Simoni celebrated a beautiful victory.
But not for long because when he came back to the hotel the police of Trento was waiting asking Simoni to come with them. Simoni was questioned as a witness for 2 hours. But the fun was over.
Friday, may 24th:
This morning Saeco sets up another press conference in which they announce that Simoni will not start in the 12th stage. The reason for that is the pressure that other teams put on Saeco to take Simoni out of the race. Because of an agreement the teams made that every rider that reacted non-negative in the first sample should be set out of the race immediately. The police drew the Saeco-board over the line in their decision.
May 27th:
Gilberto asked his team-leader Corti for a DNA-research to prove he is innocent.
Last days of may
The news is being announced that Simoni reacted positive again at cocaine this time after the 9th stage of the Giro d'Italia. This too was because of his visit to the dentist said Simoni.
May, 31st
Simoni is also non-negative at the B-sample.
and is suspended by his team Saeco for an unknown time. This is really a disaster, because Giby will miss the Tour de France.
Friday, june the 7th
The Tour direction took the decision that Saeco without Giby is no longer welcome in the Tour.
A month later:
Experts conclude that the tracks of cocaine in Gilberto's body came from Peruvian candy. Giby is allowed to ride races again. But the damage can't be undone. Giby's planned superseason, in which he would ride both the Giro and the Tour, is completly screwed.
