The 20 professional cyclists that make up Spanish Comunidad Valenciana squad have anticipated the usual quarterly controls imposed by the UCI and, at their own initiative, sent blood samples to the Spanish Superior Council of Sports and the Spanish Cycling Federation. In an effort to clear their image tarnished by 'Operación Puerto' and the dismissal by ASO from the upcoming Tour de France, the riders have asked to perform all doping tests the authorities see fit on the collected samples, including comparing them with the blood bags seized during the recent investigation in Madrid.
According to Spanish media reports, the team has offered to be tested since the beginning of the affair, but hasn't been approached by the various institutions to that effect; which is why the athletes now made the step. The team's assistant directeur sportif Ignacio Labarta has been incriminated in the latest doping affair surrounding Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, and the team was subsequently no longer invited by Tour de France organiser ASO.
