The Italian cycling federation's disciplinary commission heeded a recommendation by the Italian Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutors. Scarponi was spared the maximum two-year ban because he cooperated with the investigation, the federation said.

Scarponi, who has 10 career victories, was accused of "the use or attempted use of a banned substance or method" and of "possession of banned substances and methods."

The 27-year-old rider from the Acqua & Sapone team admitted involvement in the scandal but denied doping. The federation last month banned 2006 Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso for two years on similar charges.