Spanish federation backs Valverde

Because of the ongoing rumours in the Spanish and European press, which linked Alejandro Valverde to Eufemiano Fuentes, the doctor incriminated in the so-called Operation Puerto doping affair, the Spanish federation RFEC issued a communiqué on Thursday morning at the World Championships, defending the rider and the Spanish squad at the World's.

"Without a doubt, Alejandro Valverde is not implicated in the investigations of the Guardia Civil," the statement read. Furthermore, in response to rumours that there had been positive doping results at the Vuelta a España, the federation declared that it had "no knowledge of any of the participating riders having tested positive at the controls during the Vuelta 2006," and asked the attending media representatives to support the Spanish selection at the event.

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

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