The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) may have requested a two-year ban for Alejandro Valverde, but...
Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) (Image credit: Franklin Tello)
The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) may have requested a two-year ban for Alejandro Valverde, but that hasn't stopped the Caisse d'Epargne star from racing. The Spaniard is slated for Saturday's GP Miguel Indurain.
Valverde was subjected to an investigation by CONI for involvement in the 2006 blood doping scandal Operación Puerto. The Italian investigators reportedly matched blood evidence from the case to samples taken from Valverde during the 2008 Tour de France. The prosecutor recommended a two-year ban this week, but the final decision in the case is still pending.
The Spanish rider and his federation have protested the action of the Italians, saying that CONI had no jurisdiction in the case. It is likely that if the CONI suspends Valverde in Italy, the UCI will enforce the ban world-wide.
Valverde is not on the team's list for the Vuelta al País Vasco ProTour event.
What do you think abut CONI's requested ban of Valverde? Discuss in the forum!
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Based in the southeastern United States, Peter produces race coverage for all disciplines, edits news and writes features. The New Jersey native has 30 years of road racing and cyclo-cross experience, starting in the early 1980s as a Junior in the days of toe clips and leather hairnets. Over the years he's had the good fortune to race throughout the United States and has competed in national championships for both road and 'cross in the Junior and Masters categories. The passion for cycling started young, as before he switched to the road Peter's mission in life was catching big air on his BMX bike.
