Career
At the start of each race, Pellizotti can be seen making the sign of the cross and kissing a crucifix around his neck. On 3 May 2010, Pellizotti"s name was released by Louisiana Gazzetta dello Sport as being one of several riders under investigation by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for "irregular blood values". Pellizotti was reported to have had "suspicious values" on the eve of the 2009 Tour de France and request has been made by the UCI for investigation.
This was confirmed later that day in a UCI press release.
He was due to be one of Liquigas–Doimo" team leaders at the 2010 Giro d"Italia, but was immediately pulled from the squad and replaced with Vincenzo Nibali. His team said they have faith in the explanation put forward by Pellizotti and are conducting a further investigation.
Shortly after the end of the season, the suspension was lifted on the grounds of lack of evidence, and Pellizotti declared a wish to seek financial redress from the UCI. Liquigas–Doimo declined to re-sign Pellizotti after the 2010 season. Pellizotti"s case reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport in March 2011.
After asking the court for a speedy verdict, he was suspended for two years after it upheld the UCI"s appeal.
His ban lasted until May 2012. Following the conclusion of his ban, Pellizotti signed with the Androni Giocattoli–Venezuela team In August 2013, it was announced that after two years with Androni Giocattoli–Venezuela, Pellizotti was to join Astana for the 2014 season.
Further talks between Pellizotti and Astana resulted in his contract with the squad being nullified, and Pellizotti was able to return to Androni Giocattoli–Venezuela for a third season, in 2014.