By Hernan Alvarez
Former Comunidad Valenciana assistant director Ignacio Labarta and former mountain bike rider Alberto Leon were questioned today court number 31 in Plaza de Castilla in Madrid, relating to the "Operacion Puerto" doping affair.
Their lawyer Julian Perez Templado said that neither made any new declarations, and that they had only answered the questions of the judge and the defence, but not those of the plaintiffs, namely the Spanish Cycling Federation and former professional cyclist Jesus Manzano.
They both insisted they are innocent in this case. Alberto Leon, accused of transporting the doping products, stated to the press that he is a humble worker who had a very good image before this affair and said that he was involved in a "mess". He also criticized the way the press treated him. "They even mentioned my home address," said Leon, according to Todociclismo.com. "They don't even do that with the ETA prisoners." He, like Labarta, was questioned for only half an hour.
Labarta didn't make any comments to the press. He said simply that he hoped that the matter ends as soon as possible.
"Now we are to the delay of which the judge decides if there is to go in opinion or the case is filed. In order to know what is going to happen it is necessary to finish analysing the content of the blood bags and to see if the accusation or the defence is going to present/display tests", assured Tempering.
Their lawyer Julian Perez Templado said that "now there is a delay while the judge decides if this will go to trial or if he will file the case. In order to know what is going to happen it is necessary to finish analysing the content of the blood bags and to see if the prosecution or the defence is going to present questions."
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
