UCI vice-president supports Davis' team search

Former Discovery Channel rider Allan Davis is reported to be getting high-ranked support out of the International Cycling Union (UCI) in his search for a new team. Davis, who got caught up in the Operación Puerto scandal in 2006, was cleared of any charges before signing with the American team for the 2007 season. Despite good racing results last year, the Australian sprinter has nevertheless not been able to find a new squad for 2008, as his reputation is heavily tainted since his name was mentioned in the Spanish doping affair.

According to Australian newspaper The Age, Ray Godkin, a former Cycling Australia president and now UCI vice-president said he was "convinced" Davis had not violated anti-doping regulations, and will be helping him to find a team for the coming European season.

"I'm very sympathetic to his cause and how the hell he got caught up in this, I don't know," Godkin said. "I'm convinced in my mind that Allan Davis is not mixed up in any of this business. He's done everything he could possibly do - (offered) to supply DNA, he's prepared to do anything that's wanted to clear himself."

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After meeting with Davis and UCI ProTour manager Alain Rumpf on Sunday morning, Godkin will return to Europe this week and plans to push Davis' case when he meets with UCI president Pat McQuaid. "I will pursue this and it has to be dealt with in some way, that he can get clearance from the UCI that he is free to negotiate (with teams)," he said. "A lot of teams are interested in him, but they are a little bit nervous because nobody knows what's going on, it's ridiculous."

Davis is currently racing for the composite Australian national team at the Tour Down Under. "To hear that from Ray himself, it's relieving, it makes the light at the end of the tunnel bigger, I suppose," Davis commented.