The AIGCP, the professional group which represents professional cyclists at the UCI, has asked Manolo Saiz and Jose Ignacio Labarta to step down from their positions. Both men were arrested last week in the Spanish doping scandal involving an alleged blood doping network.
Labarta, directeur sportif for Comunidad Valenciana, resigned from his position this week, "to remove any suspicion from the Comunidad Valenciana team and the people involved in structure of the team, as well as to maintain a good reputation built over the last two seasons." He maintains his innocence.
Saiz is still running his team, now called Würth Team after the withdrawal of former sponsor Liberty Seguros.
Under the UCI's Code of Ethics, which the teams voluntarily signed, anyone found guilty on doping charges must be fired and anyone suspected to be involved in doping must not be involved in races until the matter is resolved.
Cyclingnews' recent coverage of 'Operación Puerto'
April 2, 2009 - Valverde indignant over possible suspension
April 1, 2009 - Valverde: Italy requests two-year suspension
March 13, 2009 - Le Monde newspaper hit with fine over Puerto allegations
March 2, 2009 - WADA president Fahey asks for Puerto evidence
February 24, 2009 - Spanish federation seeks access to Puerto blood bags
February 20, 2009 - CONI considers Valverde case while UCI awaits verdict
February 19, 2009 - Valverde under criminal investigation
February 11, 2009 - Valverde summonsed for Operación Puerto in Italy
February 8, 2009 - Eight charged in Operación Puerto
Cyclingnews' complete coverage of Operación Puerto
