By Antonio J. Salmerón
Today in Madrid, the Spanish cyclists involved in the Operación Puerto started to appear before judge Antonio Serrano, who called all 58 riders named in the investigation to testify. Alberto Contador (Astana) and Jesús Hernández (Relax-GAM) were the first called to testify.
Antonio Serrano accepted the thesis of the public prosecutor, who asked that the riders be called to declare like witnesses, but the judge did it by limiting the questions that can be asked to three:
1) What is or was the rider's relationship with Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes, José Luis Merino, Manolo Saiz, José Ignacio Labarta, Vicente Belda?
2) What treatments did the rider receive from him?
3) Did the rider suffer from health problems following the treatments?
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
