USA Cycling awaits Operación Puerto information

By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor

Although Tyler Hamilton's name has been associated with Operacion Puerto, USA Cycling's CEO Steve Johnson says that the UCI has not yet communicated anything yet. "We haven't received any information about riders," Johnson told Cyclingnews as he was observing the national championships festival in Seven Springs, PA. "No specific information just that the UCI is preparing dossiers and will communicate with us."

Johnson says that if a U.S. rider is implicated that USAC will refer everything to the US Anti-doping Agency (USADA). "We will immediately forward to USADA. In our country, that is the organization that is investigates those accusations."

As for the life-long ban that UCI President Pat McQuaid referred to, Johnson replied, "Whatever USADA determines we would have to follow."

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