In The Headlines

Doping has once dominated the cycling headlines and looks likely to continue to do so with the Operación Puerto trail playing out before the Spanish courts. In racing news the Tour Down Under has been raced and won as has the Tour de San Luis while the Etoile de Bessèges is currently being raced as it files the gaps until things heat up in the Middle Eastern races.

Rasmussen admits to career of doping

The Dane was booted out of the 2007 Tour de France while leading the race for lying over his whereabouts. Rasmussen denied all claims and suggestions of doping proclaiming innocence but failed to return to the high level. In 2005 and 2006 the 'chicken' won the mountain classification at the Tour as well as finishing 7th overall in the 2005 edition. Rasmussen has admitted to using EPO, growth hormone, testosterone, DHEA, insulin, IGF-1, cortisone and using blood transfusions from 1998 till 2010. He announced in his press conference that he was retiring with immediate effect and is willing to co-operate fully with authorities.

Fränk Schleck banned for Xipamide Use

RadioShack-Leopard rider Fränk Schleck has received a one year ban after testing positive to the diuretic Xipamide after the second rest day. His ban has been backdated and cannot race until July 14th which means he will miss the 100th edition of the Tour.

Dr Eufemiano Fuentes and Operación Puerto

In Madrid Fuentes reiterated that he only gave blood transfusions for health reasons but named other athletes from sports besides cycling as his clients. No real shocks or surprises have so far surfaced but with witnesses such as Alberto Contador and Tyler Hamilton set to appear, things might just be heating up.