Ullrich and Basso deny involvement with Fuentes

Two big riders named by Spanish media outlets in conjunction with the "Operacion Puerto" affair have denied any involvement with Dr. Eufamiano Fuentes, who is alleged to be one of the key figures in supplying doping and blood transfusions to athletes. Giro d'Italia leader Ivan Basso said that he has never had anything to do with Fuentes, while T-Mobile's captain Jan Ullrich also said, "I have never worked together with Fuentes."

The Spanish civil guard allegedly found a list with 200 Spanish and non-Spanish riders names linked to doping practices after searching two flats belonging to Fuentes and the laboratory of Jose Luis Merino Batres.

Meanwhile, Liberty Seguros team director Marino Lejarreta said that the team will complete the Giro d'Italia, even though several riders have already dropped out. "We can also finish this season without a sponsor," he said. It's not known whether the team's co-sponsor Würth is pulling out.