May 25, 2006 – The latest drug saga in cycling keeps getting worse. “Operation Puerto” – the sting that saw Liberty Seguros manager Manolo Saiz arrested on drug charges – has had further adverse effects on the state of pro cycling. This new development, in the wake of Roberto Heras’ positive drug tests at last year’s Vuelta where he won under Liberty colours, has led Liberty Seguros to pull its sponsorship of the team, effective immediately.

The multi-million dollar deal with one of the top ProTour teams is a shock to the sport, and to the many athletes on the team. However, there could be more news coming – allegedly there are 200 riders that might be implicated in “Operation Puerto”.