José Ignacio Labarta, assistant sports director of Comunidad Valenciana and one of five arrested by the Spanish civil guard in relation to the current doping investigation in Spain, voluntarily resigned from his post as of yesterday.
Labarta, however, maintains his innocence in the 'Operacion Puerto' affair. In statement from the team, his reasons for resigning were "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."
In the same statement, the decision to break ties with Jose Ignacio Labarta from the Comunidad Valenciana team avoids "manoeuvres [by the authorities] to darken the sporting activities of Comunidad Valenciana, that have always been made within ethical and sporting legalities."
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
