Gilberto Simoni isn’t having a good few weeks. His recent positive drug test has had big repercussions for his team, but Simoni still protests his innocence and his latest line of defence is that the drug traces came from a South American sweetie.

After a positive drug test for traces of cocaine in the Giro Del Trentino, Simoni was thrown off the Giro D’Italia a few weeks ago. As a direct result, the entire Saeco Cannondale team was ejected from the upcoming Tour De France and Cannondale may now withdraw from pro team sponsorship.

As taking cocaine is a civil offence, the matter is now with the Italian courts. Simoni’s first defence was that the cocaine had been used by his dentist without his knowledge, but now he’s taken a new line when being questioned by the investigating magistrate in Trento. He is now claiming the traces of cocaine must have come from a South American honey sweet given to him buy his aunt Giacinta. Unsurprisingly, the court is somewhat sceptical and has now asked for full details of this narcotic bon-bon.

Just goes to show that ‘what Charlie says’ is true even when you’re a pro racer…..