Italian cyclist Riccardo Ricco left hospital on Friday after 12 days of treatment for what doctors said was a self blood transfusion gone wrong.

The 27-year-old, who returned from a 20-month ban last March after being caught taking drugs at the 2008 Tour de France, has been suspended by his Vacansoleil team and Italy's anti-doping body has started disciplinary proceedings against him.

Blood transfusions to boost performance are illegal under Italian sports law.