So, forgive me - I’m still playing catch-up with the weekend’s news… The Spanish cycling federation has “closed all disciplinary files opened against the cyclists implicated in the [Operacion Puerto] investigation.” According to CyclingNews:

The news will be a huge setback to the UCI and its efforts to combat alleged doping in the peloton. It comes less than one day after the against the Italian cycling federation (FCI) permanently shelved the case against Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso, who was also implicated in Operación Puerto documents.

The Spanish federation has emphasized that the riders who were part of the investigation had never had their licenses suspended, and now that the disciplinary investigations are closed, they are free to compete with their respective squads. They have not excluded the possibility that the files would be reopened once the judicial proceedings are concluded.

Still on the hotseat, however, is Manolo Saiz, the former director of the Liberty Wurth team (now the Astana team). Saiz still retains the rights to the Astana team’s racing license, and has no plans to transfer it to anyone. His continued connection with the team could jeopardize their ability to race this year.

Two people associated with the management of the Comunidad Valenciana team as well as the doctor at the heart of the investigation, Eufemiano Fuentes, are also still under investigation by the Spanish cycling federation.

A complete list of the Spanish riders who have been cleared is here, along with a vow by UCI President Pat McQuaid to reopen investigations where possible.