Lissavetzky very happy with Pereiro in yellow

By Antonio J. Salmerón

The Spanish Secretary for Sport, Jaime Lissavetzky, was part of the ceremonies to hand the yellow jersey to Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne), some 15 months after the 2006 Tour de France concluded in Paris. The secretary said it was a "historical debt" that Pereiro was proclaimed the winner of last year's Tour de France.

Lissavetzky was accompanied by other authorities who had gathered to witness how Pereiro received the maillot jaune. Lissavetzky considered this "a great day for cycling and for the Spanish sport, and also for the whole sport in general."

Lissavetzky continued that "We are all here today in a historical meeting." He defined the act as "simple and laden with solemnity, because the main goal is to give a positive and optimistic message to all the people of cycling."

The head of the Spanish sport showcased Pereiro as an example of "fair play, overcoming and steadfastness. Oscar Pereiro has won this [2006] Tour on the road, because he is a champion and we must congratulate him for that. It is great news for everyone, and we must separate the cheaters from those playing by the rules", Lissavetzky concluded.

Lissavetzky reported that Pereiro will receive the Gold Medal of Sport Merit, and also referred to Carlos Sastre (CSC), who is now third in the 2006 Tour de France.