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Luxembourg anti-doping authorities will not pursue charges against Fränk Schleck.

Published: Dec. 10, 2008
Schleck in yellow at the 2008 Tour de France
Schleck in yellow at the 2008 Tour de France
Photo: Graham Watson

Luxembourg's anti-doping agency will not open a disciplinary case against Fränk Schleck, who said he transferred nearly 7000 euros in March 2006 into an account belonging to Eufemiano Fuentes, the alleged ringleader of the Operación Puerto doping ring.

According to European news reports and a press release from Schleck's Saxo Bank team, the agency found no evidence of actual doping violations and has decided to close the case.

“First of all, I’m happy that I had to chance to prove that I was innocent," Schleck said in the team statement. "I have a lot of respect for the work the Luxembourg Anti-Doping Agency had to do and I have been totally available for all their inquiries. Throughout the whole process I have been confident that I would come out good because I have a completely clear conscience. Now, I can focus on the new season and I’m looking forward to coming back strong.”

Team director Bjarne Riis said he never lost confidence in Schleck. “We are certainly very happy that the explanation that Fränk Schleck has given us, the press and our sponsors was now confirmed by the Luxembourg Anti-Doping Agency as true. It was vital to us that Fränk had not been involved in the wrongdoings concerning the case in Spain and we feel that the confidence that we have in Fränk has been rewarded. I’m sure that this has been quite a stressful time for him, but at the same time it will give him strength and motivation to be even better next season."

“All of our riders are ambassadors of a clean sport and with our groundbreaking, independent anti-doping program we can rule out any wrongdoing going on unnoticed and we take sincere comfort in that. The team has gone to great lengths in the fight against doping and we will continue to make our mark here along with our efforts on the roads,” Riis said.