Valverde speaks out against DNA testing

After World Champion Paolo Bettini, Spain's Alejandro Valverde has spoken out against the compulsory DNA testing planned by The UCI ProTour teams. Currently enjoying a well-deserved holiday on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, the winner of the 2006 ProTour reportedly told local media, "DNA tests are a great breach into the private lives of the riders. If we agree to that, what will be the next step? Lowering our pants prior to the start?"

"The fight against doping is necessary, but DNA tests are one step too far," Valverde added. Quick.Step manager Patrick Lefévère had proposed to make possible DNA testing part of the ProTour riders' contracts at a meeting of the team managers in Paris last week.