Contador and Basso to testify in Operacion Puerto trial
Riders amongst those listed as witnesses in Fuentes hearing
Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso are amongst those expected to testify at the trial for Operacion Puerto, the Spanish media has reported.The trial stems from the blood doping scandal around Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes, which was exposed in 2006.
The EFE news agency reported that the judge of instruction, Antonio Serrano, “has already received the prosecution and and defense arguments”, which will be referred to the criminal court. The court will then “decide what evidence is allowed before setting the final date of the hearing.”
In addition to three-time Tour de France winner Contador and two-time Giro d'Italia winner Basso, who has already served a two-year ban for his involvement in the affair, witnesses are expected to include a doctor and a former employee of the Spanish cycling federation.
While it was not explicitly stated which side was requesting their appearance, the EFE said that the prosecution has asked that all members of the Liberty Seguros team and Michele Scarponi also appear as witnesses. Scarponi has also served a ban because of Operacion Puerto.
In November, the Court of Instruction issued an order to bring the case to court. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek prison sentences for Eufemiano Fuentes, his sister Yolanda, doctors José Luis Merino and Alfredo Córdova as well as team managers Manolo Saiz, José Ignacio Labarta and Vicente Belda.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1