Fresh doping scandal looms

CYCLING: Eight years after the Festina Affair rocked cycling, the prospect of another scandal loomed yesterday with the announcement in the Spanish media that more big names may be involved in the police investigation Operación Puerto.

The list, which comes from the Spanish Civil Guard's official report on the doping probe, reportedly includes 58 amateur and professional riders as well as athletes from other sports.

El Pais and radio station Cadena Ser have between them alleged that Jan Ullrich, Oscar Sevilla, Joseba Beloki, Santiago Botero, José Enrique Gutierrez and Angel Edo are all mentioned in the 500-page report, along with three riders who are already serving suspensions for blood doping or EPO use: Santi Pérez, Tyler Hamilton and Roberto Heras.

De Telegraaf claims Denis Menchov and Juan-Antonio Flecha of the Rabobank team are on the list. Other sources alleged yesterday that Tour de France favourite Ivan Basso and Spanish challenger Francisco Mancebo were also mentioned in the report, which is due to be delivered shortly to the Spanish minister for sport. The information emerged after a gag order was lifted at the request of a tribunal.

The extent of the riders' involvement is unknown. Some may be under suspicion on grounds of having been in contact with Dr Eufemiano Fuentes, who was arrested when a search of his clinic on May 23rd uncovered doping products.

But others may be more directly implicated, with some sources suggesting that Spanish authorities may have already compared blood tests from last year's Tour with blood bags seized from Fuentes' clinic.

All of those questioned by journalists so far have denied any part in the affair.

Meanwhile, the Court for Arbitration in Sport (CAS) yesterday gave the go-ahead to Alexandre Vinokourov's Astana-Würth team to start the race. Tour organisers ASO had told the team they were not welcome after their manager, Manolo Saiz, was arrested in the initial stages of Operación Puerto on May 23rd.

To domestic news, and a team of 30 riders will attempt to cover the 365 miles between Mizen Head in Co Cork to Malin Head in Co Donegal within 24 hours this weekend. The challenge will start at 5pm today at Mizen Head, with proceeds going towards the NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) and Temple Street Hospital.

There are two stage races this weekend. Tomorrow, teams from Ireland, Europe and Britain will line out in the Zeal Optics Danny Boy two-day, which begins with a 3.2km time trial. A 75km road race will follow, then the race will conclude on Sunday with a 95km stage.

Several women will travel north to join the international field. This number includes the Leinster team of Jenny Fay, Joanna Hickey, Julie O'Hagan, Louise Harliwich, Orla Hendron and Roisin Kennedy.

FRIDAY: NCBI/Blazing Saddles Mizen - Malin Challenge, starts 5pm. Newry Wheelers 3-Day, starts 6.30pm at Warrenpoint SC.

SATURDAY: Zeal Optics Danny Boy 2 Day, starts 10am in Roe Valley CP. Portarlington. Festival race: Youth race at 4.30pm, other categories at 7pm. Sign on from 4pm at Laois Business Pk. Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. For details contact Denis Geaney 087-2258781.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY: Youth and Junior National Track Championships, Eamonn Ceannt Park, Sundrive Road. Sign on 10am. More details Will Byrne at 086 8047839.

SUNDAY: Eddie Tobin Memorial, starts noon at Enniscorthy. Rás Luimni, starts Fedamore, at 1pm. Downhill NPS round 4, Mallow. Simpsons Sponsored Cycle, Dundrum. Contact Dave Tansey at 087 9696587. Kildare Borders Tour, starts 10am at Naas. 5 C's Tour, Munster. Call John Ryan for details at 086 8240647.