Spain cycling doping trial begins

January 28, 2013, last updated at 07: 32 GMT Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes is considered to be with her sister and three former coaches doctor A Spanish cyclist must go on trial accused of running one of the largest ever world sport doping rings.

Trial of Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes in Madrid is nearly seven years after the police raided its offices and seized some 200 bags of blood that were linked to a number of top cyclists.

Dozens of cyclists have been called to appear as witnesses in the trial.

Dr. Fuentes, his sister and three former coaches of cycling are charged breaking the law of public health.

They could be charged with crimes related to doping because the Spain had no law against doping at the time of their arrest.

Prosecutors must prove that the actions of the defendants risk the lives of athletes — something the defense should be denied.

The case comes days after the first seven times winner of the Tour de France that Lance Armstrong has finally admitted to the prohibited use drugs and blood doping during his cycling career.

They

Spanish police conducted a series of raids on offices, laboratories and the apartments in Madrid, Zaragoza and El Escorial in May 2006 as part of an investigation called operation Puerto.

They found about 200 bags of blood or plasma frozen with labels that were supposed to be silenced for the clients of Dr Fuentes - athletes who have been allegedly boasting a sophisticated doping program.

Dozens of cyclists have been allegedly involved in the scandal, including the former winner of the Tour de France Alberto Contador who should testify at the trial.

The World Anti-Doping Agency said that it said at the time of the raids, that the blood bags linked to athletes in several sports, including football and tennis.

But the Monday trial will focus only on cyclists who, according to the Chief Prosecutor in the case, are the only athletes who could be identified from the bags of blood seized.

The Spain's anti-doping Agency has said it has no evidence to support the contention that evidence gathered during the raids took place, Tom Burridge of the BBC reports from Madrid.

The trial is expected to last until mid-March and if convicted, the accused face up to two years ' imprisonment and a two-year professional ban.