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Rodriguez denies calling for Mosquera's disqualification

By Cycling News

published 14 January 2011

Says there must be the presumption of innocence

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Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) back in red at the Vuelta a España.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Joaquim Rodríguez in the 2011 Katusha team kit(Image credit: Team Katusha)

But it was Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) who made the right move in the end.(Image credit: Fotoreporter Sirotti)

Joaquim Rodriguez has denied saying that Ezequiel Mosquera should be disqualified if he doped at the recent Vuelta a Espana.

Rodriguez would accept Vuelta podium place if Mosquera is sanctioned

After the race, it was announced that Mosquera had tested positive for Hydroxyethyl starch. He finished second overall, and Rodriguez, of Team Katusha, was fourth.

The Spanish newspaper AS quoted Rodriguez as saying, ““If Ezequiel has cheated, I’d want him to be disqualified and for me to be given third place.” He denied having said that, instead claiming that he merely said that he did not understand why it was taking so much time to resolve the issue as it was damaging to the image of the Vuelta and to that of cycling in general.

As for being given third place, “that would not be the same, because that is to be enjoyed live and in Madrid, and not in January or February.”

In a press statement, he concluded, “Let me make clear that at no time have I expressed any desire to have him punished. It is not up to me but to the national authorities. By putting these words in my mouth, an uncomfortable situation is being created with a colleague who must be considered innocent until proven guilty.”