The manager of the 'new' Astaná - Würth team, has voluntarily stepped aside from his position in the team, and will leave the organisation up to his technical staff. Saiz, who is one of those implicated in the 'Operacion Puerto' affair, made the decision "in order to safeguard the continuity of the team to the maximum, and for the good of cycling in general," according to a team statement.
"Astaná - Würth is fulfilling the sporting commitments that had undertaken this season, under the authority of the directors, and it is going to continue doing it in the future, in the medium and long term."
Saiz will not appear at any of the events that the team takes part in, and will also absent himself from the UCI ProTour council for the time being.
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
