Manolo Saiz breaks silence

By Antonio J. Salmerón

In an interview on Sunday with Radio Nacional de España in Mula, where the León Sánchez Memorial had taken place, ex-director sportif of Liberty Seguros-Würth Manolo Saiz spoke out for the first time in months regarding the Operación Puerto investigation.

The arrest of Manolo Saiz in May this started the massive affiar that has become known as Operación Puerto. He said that the decision taken by the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) to close the disciplinary files against the Spanish cyclists "... is a good news, but, at the same time, bad news, because there has been many people who have been harmed during the last five months."

The 47 year-old Spaniard commented that he remains "calm," and that he continueswith the new incarnation of Liberty Seguros-Würth, Astaná. Saiz admitted that "the damage done does begin to erase all that has happened." Saiz insisted that "many things are not clear" and that he has not been lost in "the illusions by a sport that has done so much."

Saiz finished by saying that, at the moment, he still has not taken a decision own his professional future because his objective is to "finish this and nothing else."

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