Fuentes says he treated more athletes

The doctor at the centre of the Operacion Puerto affair, Eufemiano Fuentes, has said on Spanish radio that there are riders still in the Tour de France that he has treated. Speaking on the sports program El Larguero (SER), Fuentes said, "There are names there that I don't even know, and there are riders among those I have treated who are still riding the Tour de France."

Despite the Spanish court's declarations that there were no footballers or tennis players involved in Operacion Puerto, Fuentes said that he did not treat cyclists alone. "I have done the same thing with other sports. I have given advice on treatments for football teams, athletes, and tennis players, among other sports. My professional oath forbids me from revealing their names. There have been only selective leaks. I am indignant about that."

Fuentes doesn't believe he has committed a crime against public health. "As any doctor of this country, my objective is to preserve the health of my patients, not to damage it."

He concluded by saying that he will tell the truth. "I make one condition: what must be said, I will say it. I must tell the truth, although it hurts, I will say it."

Courtesy of Antonio J. Salmerón

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