Already under investigation by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), Alejandro Valverde now finds himself facing the UCI as well. The Spanish national champion was targeted by CONI earlier this month for alleged involvement in the Operacion Puerto doping scandal that is now in its third year. Valverde has continued to deny all charges and maintain his innocence, and the Caisse d'Epargne leader has not failed doping tests related to the charges.

CONI has sought a two year ban from competition for Valverde, which would only apply on Italian soil, but this week the UCI announced that it has joined CONI's pursuit, which could mean a complete ban for Valverde. A hearing is scheduled in Rome at the Italian anti-doping tribunal and a UCI representative is expected to take part.

This is not the beginning of the UCI's interest in the case, but it does raise the possibility of more decisive action after the world federation's failed attempts to bar Valverde from 2007 world championships. 

Philly Race Appears to be Saved

Pro Cycling Tour president Dave Chaunder has announced that the fate of the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship appears to be secure, if not the race's fortune. Scheduled for Sunday, June 7, the 25th edition of the classic Philadelphia rate appeared to be in serious jeopardy as the City of Philadelphia was forced to forego a substantial portion of its support for the event, including police and sanitation services. Already facing funding shortfalls due to the current economic climate, race organizers were concerned that the additional $500,000 needed to put on the race would be too great a hurdle.

"We are pleased to report that today we secured enough new sponsorship funding to feel we should proceed with the race plans although we are still short of the final budget," Chauner announced. "We will announce the event’s new partners next week."

Sales of VIP tickets and other merchandise have helped generate additional funding, but the race to a solid budget isn't over yet.

"We are close, but we need the help of fans and sponsors to bring us over the top," Chaunder added.

"The new sponsors are providing enough to ensure we cover the city’s cost requirements, prize money and other budget items critical to running the race," said Jerry Casale, Chief Operating Officer of Pro Cycling Tour and fellow race founder. "But we still need to sell more tickets and merchandise to break even", he added.

To support the race via VIP ticket purchases and donations to the Embrace the Race campaign, check out www.procyclingtour.com.

Bad luck Ballan: Lampre's world champion will have to sit out the Giro d'Italia

(Photo: Roberto Bettini)

Ballan out of Giro

World Champion Alessandro Ballan (Lampre) will have to sit out his national tour, the Giro d'Italia, as he continues to suffer from a virus that has wrecked his spring. Already on the sidelines at the northern classics he loves, the unlucky rainbow jersey will now face another big setback and the biggest opportunity to show off his World's strips on hoe soil.

Ballan is back in training but lacks the form to tackle the Italian grand tour, his team confirmed this week.

Bajadali Injured at GIla

Kelly Benefits Strategies climber and recent winner of the Tour of Thailand, Andrew Bajadali broke his scapula Wednesday at the Tour of Gila. Bajadali crashed early in stage one, the Mongolian Road Race and was forced to abandon. He flew to his home in Boulder, Colorado today and will submit to additional medical examination to determine the extent of his injuries.

"This is a huge blow to our team," said Jonas Carney, the team's Performance Director. "We came to Gila with Baj as the team’s leader. While we have a very strong team we don’t have a lot of altitude guys. It is going to be extremely difficult for us to contest the GC without him, but we will look for other opportunities."

"Baj is one of the most dedicated athletes I have ever met," added Carney. "I have no doubt that he will recover quickly and be back leading the team on the climbs in no time. We will know more about his injury and recovery after he is able to see his doctor in Boulder."

Levi Leipheimer is enjoying a successful spring, looking forward to the Giro

(Photo: Roberto Bettini)

Astana Trio Enjoying Giro Tune-Up

With Levi Leipheimer in the overall lead after his stage one victory, Chris Horner doing a lion's share of work to protect this lead, and Lance Armstrong showing good form in his first race after breaking his collarbone, the Astana trio racing under the Mellow Johnny's moniker appears to be enjoying its participation in the Tour de Gila. Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel is also on hand to check the progress of his key men for the Giro d'Italia which begins on May 9 in Venice.

"This week will be very good training to get the intensity that he's lacking," Bruyneel said of Armstrong's ride in the Gila. "He needs to get some speed in the legs for the start of the Giro." 

"It's difficult to evaluate among a peloton which isn't up to the level of European races, but he did a lot of work yesterday," Bruyneel added.

Armstrong tipped Liquigas leader Ivan Basso as a Giro favorite but didn't discount Leipheimer's chances. He remained quiet on his own podium prospects.

"He's had a great year," Armstrong said of Leipheimer. "He's riding well and he's motivated. He doesn't race like the Italians do, but he's close. My responsibility will be to ride strong and to help him."