June 29, 2006 – The UCI has used some strong language for any Tour de France riders who may be guilty and caught up with the Spanish drug sting, “Operación Puerto.” According to an AFP report, UCI president Pat McQuaid has written to all Tour riders instructing that they need to provide a written statement saying they are not involved with “Operación Puerto.”

“If a false statement is given they would immediately leave the team and pay a large fine and those riders who refuse to give a statement would be replaced, ” McQuaid wrote. “If the UCI were to receive official information during the race, it would ask for the immediate withdrawal of any rider involved and that they should not compete until the end of the disciplinary process.”

Communidad Valenciana manager Jose Ignacio Labarta and Astana (formerly Liberty Seguros) team manager Manolo Sáiz were both arrested last month, along with doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, all alleged to be involved in illegal doping practices.

Consequently, the Tour de France withdrew Communidad Valenciana’s wildcard invitation and barred the Astana team from the Tour. However Astana has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and a decision is expected Friday.