MADRID — Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, the central figure in the Operation Puerto cycling doping probe, was given a one-year prison sentence for crimes against public health Tuesday. Fuentes was also barred from practicing sports medicine for four years and received a fine. Judge Julia Santamaria ruled that evidence from the case, including blood samples, would not be released to national and international anti-doping authorities for probes into cases outside cycling. Co-defendant Ignacio Labarta received a four-month jail term and was also barred from practice for four years, while Manolo Saiz, Vicente Belda and Fuentes's sister Yolanda were all cleared. As Spain's current anti-doping legislation was not in force in 2006 when police seized anabolic steroids, transfusion equipment and blood bags in raids, the five were tried only for violating public health regulations. The public prosecutor had asked for jail sentences of two years. The Puerto case attracted international attention because some of Fuentes's clients were successful professional riders, including American Tyler Hamilton who gave evidence in February. Fuentes, who denied doping, said in his opening testimony he also had clients in sports including soccer, tennis, athletics and boxing. The decision not to release the evidence, and for it to be destroyed when the case is closed after any potential appeals, was a blow to other bodies represented during the trial. Defendants who receive sentences of less than two years in Spain generally do not go to jail unless they have previous convictions. Fuentes has 10 days to appeal. Froome and Wiggins dispute Tour de France leader status Team Sky was facing a public relations dilemma Monday as Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins appeared at odds over who would lead the Tour de France challenge this year. Hours after Wiggins stated that he would attempt a Giro d'Italia/Tour de France double, teammate Froome said he would lead the British outfit's bid on the world's greatest race. Wiggins won the 2012 Tour with Froome riding in support, taking second place overall after showing signs that he could perhaps topple his team mate in the mountains. Last year Wiggins and Team Sky principal David Brailsford hinted that Froome would spearhead the team's challenge on the 2013 Tour, which will be more suited to Froome's climbing skills. While the team has not made it crystal clear who will be the lead rider, Wiggins said Monday that the decision would be made just a few days before the June 29 start in Corsica. However, Froome issued a statement Monday saying that he would be given the green light to go for victory. “There has been much speculation regarding the leadership for Team Sky at the Tour de France this year. I have made it clear that winning the Tour would be my main objective for 2013,” Froome said in a statement Monday. “I have been reassured by the management at Team Sky that I have their full backing and at no time has the leadership of the Tour team been in question.” The situation prompted comparisons with the 1985 and 86 Tour de France when Greg LeMond, who was supposed to support La Vie Claire teammate Bernard Hinault, had trouble keeping his foot off the gas pedal. The following year, Hinault, who was supposed to return the favor, attacked in the Pyrenees but paid dearly for the effort. — Agencies
