The ongoing investigation in doping matters by Spanish authorities has led the president of the International Cycling Union, Pat McQuaid, to "strongly recommend" the ProTour teams to ask the riders taking part in the Tour de France, "to sign a written statement certifying that they are not involved in this case (with a clause that if their statement proves to be incorrect, they would immediately leave the team and pay a substantial indemnity)."
The UCI made this recommendation known to the press via an official communiqué on Wednesday afternoon. "Riders who would refuse to provide such statement, must be replaced," the press release continued. "Should convincing official information be provided to the UCI during the Tour it will request the immediate withdrawal of any rider implicated and that he remain inactive until the disciplinary process is completed."
However, the ProTour has been set up under European laws, and the legality of this demand is not yet clear.
Furthermore, the UCI Licence Commission has made known its stand in the ongoing discussion about team Astana-Würth and its participation at the Tour de France. The Commission has met on Wednesday, June 28, and "took note of the latest developments in the case in relation to supposedly generalised doping practices. None of the information communicated to this day to the Licence Commission concerning these practices, has come from official sources.
"However, should facts related by certain media be confirmed, and the Commission receives a request for a withdrawal of licence, the proceedings prescribed by the regulations will be started."
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
