UCI bars Valverde from world championships

BERNE, Switzerland, Aug 29 (Reuters) Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde has been banned from next month's world championships because of his possible implication in the Operation Puerto doping investigation.

''During the meticulous studying of the 6,000-page Puerto dossier, the UCI has concluded that several documents may show the involvement of Alejandro Valverde in the affair,'' the International Cycling Union (UCI) said in a statement issued today.

The UCI said it had asked the Spanish Cycling Federation to open disciplinary proceedings against the rider, but said such action would not imply any guilt on Valverde's part.

''According to UCI regulations, and to safeguard the atmosphere and reputation of the world championships, Alejandro Valverde will be prevented from participating in the forthcoming UCI road world championships in Stuttgart.'' Valverde, 27, had already withdrawn from next month's Tour of Spain. His Caisse D'Epargne team said the cyclist wanted to concentrate on the world championships.

A strong all-rounder, Valverde won the 2006 La Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege classics. He also finished second in last year's Vuelta.

REUTERS SY RAI2336