According a recent update on VeloNews.com, The samples of blood turned over to German Authorities by Spanish Operation Puerto investigators are a Match to Jan Ulrich. The samples underwent DNA testing. Ulrich's camp is claiming he was set up. As a cycling fan, this makes me very sad. According to authorities, formal charges could be filed soon. I wondered why Jan didn't fight this harder from the beginning. He seemed to just quit when other riders went on to sign on with teams. I know that the Swiss and German cycling federations were being very aggressive compared to the Spanish and Italian cycling federations. It appears there is now actual proof that a rider linked to the investigation was doping. If the charges are true and if Jan is convicted, what does this mean for Basso and Contador and the other riders linked to the Operation Puerto Mess? Should they be tested in a formal investigation (the only condition Basso said he would allow for dna testing is under a court order).
I was just getting back to enjoying cycling again. It saddens me that this is probably just the beginning. Now that they have proof that a rider on the list doped (allegedly) will this be the proof they need to open the investigation back up and go after other riders. It seems a very plausible outcome. The witchhunt that never came to fruition from Operation Puerto might finally occur, ruining yet another cycling season that has shown such great promise so far.
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