Schleck and Riis happy

Fränk Schleck and Team Saxo Bank welcomed the news that the Luxembourg Anti-Doping Agency (ALAD) had closed its investigation of Schleck without taking further action.

"First of all I'm happy that I had the chance to prove that I was innocent," Schleck said. "Throughout the whole process, I have been confident that I would come out good because I have a completely clear conscience. Now, I can focus on the new season and I'm looking forward to coming back strong."

In September, the Süddeutsche Zeitung disclosed that the 28-year-old had wired nearly 7000 euro to a bank account belonging to Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes. Schleck claimed not to know that Fuentes, centre of the Operación Puerto doping investigation, was involved and that the money was only for training plans.

The ALAD closed its investigation into the matter this week.

Team manager Bjarne Riis said that "It was vital to us that Fränk had not been involved in the wrongdoings concerning the case in Spain and we feel that the confidence that we have in Fränk has been rewarded. I'm sure that this has been quite a stressful time for him, but at the same time it will give him strength and motivation to be even better next season."