Nine Astana riders challenge the Spanish Cycling Federation

By Hernan Alvarez

Nine Astana riders (Aitor Osa, Unai Osa, David Etxebarría, Giampaolo Caruso, Isidro Nozal, Joseba Beloki, Javier Ramirez, Allan Davis and Jörg Jaksche) have accused the Spanish Cycling Federation of: "spreading information incorrectly, which meant for them the violation of their rights of personal data protection". This demand was accepted by the court that has the named Operacion Puerto in charge in Plaza de Castilla (Madrid). Some of the nine riders met with legal representatives on Thursday to discuss how to proceed with the case.

There was another abnormal situation in the Operacion Puerto, already reported by Cyclingnews on September 17. Apparently, Spain's State Sports Council didn't receive documents about the case until July 7, but had already sent information about it to the Spanish Cycling Federation on June 29. That federation sent it directly to the UCI. Both documents were very similar but not the same as the first was missing a Civil Guard signature. Apparently, the council has warned that action must be taken before the start of next year's Tour de France.

[Jesus Alaña, Spain's Cadena COPE radio journalist contributed to this story.]

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