58 pro cyclists used drugs
2006-06-25 15:40
Madrid - A major doping probe in Spain shows at least 58 professional cyclists may have received prohibited substances and blood transfusions in recent years, news reports said on Sunday.
Leading daily El Pais said Civil Guard police investigations show at least 15 members of the team formerly known as Liberty Seguros - previously led by one of Spanish cycling's top sports directors, Manolo Saiz - were among the 58.
Only four cyclists, all Spaniards, were named in the El Pais report. It was not possible on Sunday to get police comment on the paper's report.
Saiz was one of five people arrested in May when police seized large amounts of steroids, hormones and the endurance-boosting substance EPO. Nearly 100 bags of frozen blood and equipment for treating blood were found, along with documents on doping procedures performed on cyclists.
Saiz was questioned but later released and denies any involvement in doping.
Liberty Seguros withdrew its sponsorship of the team shortly after the police seizure. Astana-Wurth, which took over the team, announced Saiz's resignation early in June.
Two doctors among those arrested - Jose Merino Batres and Eufemiano Fuentes - were charged with crimes against public health while mountain biker Alberto Leon was forbidden from leaving Spain. All deny accusations of doping.
- AP