Jan Ullrich's hearing before the Swiss cycling federation could be a tough legal battle, because "it will involve particular and immense legal problems", Lorenz Schläfli, head of the federation told AFP. "It is the first time we have had a case like this."
Schläfli said that they are not actually ready to open the proceedings because of questions about the documents involved. "If we had opened the process with these documents, it would have lasted just five minutes," Schläfli said, adding Ullrich's lawyers could have asked to have the case dismissed.
"It is a translation from Spanish to French. We don't know who did the translation. There are no stamps, we don't know if it's official or not. First we have to ask for the official documents. If they're the same as the translation, then we'll pass them on to the disciplinary chamber."
The federation will ask the UCI to certify the documents in question. "If that's not possible, then we'll have to approach the Guardia Civil," said Schläfli, which is likely to delay the disciplinary process against Ullrich.
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
