Bettini: "This sort of practice is associated with serial killers"

You can be the judge on Bettini's take on supplying DNA. Please read on.

I supplied DNA for a genetics lab class using a cheek swab, didn't feel like being a serial killer?

VeloNews 12-7-07
Thursday's EuroFile: Bettini says he'd quit rather than supply DNA
By staff and wire reports
This report filed December 7, 2006

World and Olympic champion Paolo Bettini said Thursday he would rather quit cycling than have to produce a DNA sample as part of the sport's fight against drugs.

"If they ask me for my DNA I'm ready to call time on my career. I've already won a lot," Bettini told the Italian news agency ANSA.

In October the professional cycling teams association came out in favor of its members having to produce a DNA sample to help prove their guilt or innocence in any drugs case.

The move is part of wider efforts by the UCI to eradicate doping after a season in which the Operación Puerto affair and Floyd Landis's positive test for a skewed testosterone-epitestosterone level left a black mark on the sport.

Operación Puerto uncovered bags of blood and doping products at a laboratory in Madrid, where a reported 58 cyclists were said to be clients.

At the time Bettini argued against DNA testing and called for "respect for private life."

"This sort of practice is associated with serial killers," he said.

On Thursday he elaborated on his opposition, arguing: "Cyclists who are found to have bags of blood at their home should be asked to produce a DNA sample. If they say the blood isn't theirs it's best to proceed with DNA tests. But otherwise it's not a measure that helps the fight against drugs."

Bettini also took a swipe at Ivan Basso's agreement to provide a DNA sample, should one be requested in a national or disciplinary investigation, a deal that was part of the terms of his contract with Discovery Channel.

"Why didn't Basso agree to give his DNA while the Spanish investigation into doping was going on?" Bettini asked. "He only did it after having signed with Discovery and after having known that the (Spanish) Guardia Civil was not going to deliver the bags of blood which are in its possession.

"In October, when I had declared that I was against DNA tests, the first message which I received on my cell phone came from Ivan Basso. He complimented me on my stand. Twenty days later, he changed his mind and gave his approval to test DNA."

One of the best mountain climbers in the peloton, Basso was left without a team after parting company with the Danish CSC squad, managed by 1996 Tour winner Bjarne Riis. The Italian's contract was terminated by mutual consent after he was linked to Operación Puerto, the Spanish doping investigation.

Basso was not allowed to take part in this year's Tour de France due to his alleged involvement in the scandal, but in October he was acquitted by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian cycling federation.

Both agencies concluded that there was insufficient evidence to warrant a suspension or to pursue further investigation, and Basso subsequently signed with Discovery. Spanish investigators continue to pursue the case, but have privately conceded that the effort is beginning to lose traction.

Police still retain possession of nearly 200 bags of blood seized from the properties of Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes, the man at the center of the investigation. However, several riders mentioned in the physician's phone and e-mail records have refused to submit to DNA tests. -Agence France Presse contributed to this report