McQuaid appeals Spanish authorities for DNA comparisons

UCI president Pat McQuaid has sent an open letter to Spain's Minister of Sport, Jaime Lissavetzky, asking that the Spanish authorities in charge of the Operación Puerto affair make rider DNA comparisons possible.

"The UCI wants to ensure that all the blood that was found in relation to the Puerto affair is identified," the letter states. "What is still missing is agreement and action from the Spanish authorities to proceed with the identification of the blood that is in their possession or, at least, to make partial samples available for identification.

"The UCI now makes an urgent appeal to you to ensure that the competent authorities do whatever is in their jurisdiction to have the Puerto affair examined down to the last detail. We rely on such action from you to help the sporting authorities deal properly with their disciplinary responsibility in the fight against doping."

McQuaid also stressed that a number of riders made their DNA available to the Spanish Sports Council, and that "almost all riders of the ProTour teams have now signed an agreement enabling their DNA to be used for matching purposes." The Irishman appealed to the Spanish minister with the support of the IOC and WADA, but also arguing on behalf of the Tour de France organiser ASO.

"I have recently discussed this matter with the Director of the Tour de France, Mr Christian Prudhomme who is very concerned that the integrity of his event may be compromised because this affair is not yet concluded," McQuaid continued. And: "This action is all the more necessary in light of indications that practices such as those discovered in the Puerto affair have not stopped."

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