Menchov questioned in Austrian doping case

Denis Menchov travelled to Vienna, Austria, last month to answer questions from investigators concerning his alleged involvement with the blood clinic "Human Plasma". The name of the Russian Rabobank rider has been mentioned in connection with the blood-doping circle in Austria.

"Since we received a request from the Austrian authorities, the concerned riders have immediately expressed their unreserved cooperation to be heard under oath," team spokesman Luuc Eisenga told Cyclingnews. Austrian authorities have confirmed "that this is on a voluntary basis. As long as the investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment.

"Further, we have no reason to believe that one of the Rabobank team members has done anything that conflicts with our no-compromise zero tolerance policy," Eisenga continued. "In the case that we would ever have to doubt the integrity of a team member, we will act immediately."

The team did not believe that the matter had anything to do with the Giro d'Italia winner's showing in the opening time trial on Sunday. He finished 1:31 slower than winner Fabian Cancellara, which put him in 53rd place. "I have the right condition, "Menchov said. "I have no explanation for my poor chrono."