On Saturday, November 11, the Columbian cycling federation cleared Santiago Botero of all charges stemming from the Operación Puerto doping case. Releasing the complete report of its disciplinary commission on Botero, federation has "decided to end the investigation because of a lack of evidence," according to Carlos Vargas, president of the federation's disciplinary committee. Botero pronounced himself satisfied with that decision, but complained about "the negative effects on his athletic career".
Botero was suspended by Team Phonak after being named in the Spanish doping investigation, and indicated that he might end his career. However, the Colombian has recently signed with the new Continental team UNE-Orbitel.
