September 15, 2006 – American cyclist Tyler Hamilton is now under investigation for possible implication in the Opéracion Puerto doping scandal. Ironically, Hamilton’s 2-year suspension for a previous doping offence was due to expire next week on Sept. 22.

The United States Cycling Federation has been asked by the UCI to initiate disciplinary procedures against Hamilton and U.S. Cycling issued a release indicating the matter is now in the hands of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Hamilton, the Olympic gold ITT winner in Athens, has ridden for the Phonak, CSC and US Postal. Spanish authorities allege that he spent over 30,000 Euros for a doping program at Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes clinic as part of Operacion Puerto.

Hamilton was hoping to compete in the 2006 Road World Championships in Salzburg, Austria, September 19-24, but was dropped by the US team.