Lissavetzky asks for respect from UCI

By Antonio J. Salmerón

The Spanish State Secretary for Sport, Jaime Lissavetzky, asked UCI president Pat McQuaid for more respect for the work in Spain against doping on Thursday, asking that he "not throw shadows of doubt on the Spanish sport or Spanish authorities."

Lissavetzky, who met with McQuaid during the World Anti-doping conference in Madrid, told EFE that the meeting was constructive, but reiterated his criticism of the UCI's actions regarding the Spanish cyclist Alejandro Valverde, who the UCI sought to ban from the World Championships over his alleged involvement in Operación Puerto. "The rule of law must be based on the presumption of innocence," Lissavetzky stated.

Valverde was eventually allowed to race in the World Championships in Stuttgart, after the Court for Arbitration of Sport ruled that the ban would be a form of "advance sanction". His fight is not yet over, as the UCI claims that it has evidence of Valverde's involvement in the scandal in the dossier obtained from the Spanish Civil Guard.

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