The Spanish media has released the names of professional cyclists associated with Dr Eufemiano Fuentes, the Spanish doctor at the center of Operación Puerto, a massive doping sting. The two biggest names at the top of the list?

Jan Ullrich

Ivan Basso

On the heels of the news, T-Mobile and CSC have suspended the riders for the Tour of France (though it is important to note that neither rider has been directly accused of doping, although Ullrich lied about his association with Fuentes), and it is expected that a gaggle of other rides will not line up for the start of the race tomorrow. T-Mobile has also suspended their director, Rudi Pevenage.

There is, however, a silver lining, especially for the Americans in the Tour. Suddenly, with the two riders most considered to be in the fight for the win out of the race entirely, an all American podium isn’t unreasonable. Discovery’s George Hincapie, Phonak’s George Landis, Gerolsteiner’s Levi Leipheimer, and even CSC’s Bobby Jullich will be in the hunt for the yellow jersey. This could truly be the most wide open Tour in years.

Posted on 30 June 2006