Valverde still M.I.A. in 2008

Where have you been so far in 2008 Alejandro?

Alejandro Valverde, one of the most dominant riders in the world only two seasons ago, has been unseen thus far in 2008. While his biggest rivals for the 2008 Tour de France were battling it out in Spain at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, Valverde didn't even take the start line. He rode the event the past five years. Linked to the now infamous Operacion Puerto as early as in 2006, Valverde hasn't been the same rider since the huge investigation broke.

Valverde has been a part of doped teams, including the Kelme squad of Jesus Manzano and Roberto Heras

Valverde has never failed an in or out of competition drug control. But he also hasn't been able to harness the dominant form that saw him win both the Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege in 2006. In 2007, he finished second in both events. He did not win any significant races in 2007.

Valverde usually starts chasing hardware at the Fleche

To be fair, Valverde hasn't ever had great early season results. The Fleche tends to be his first big target, and he usually does well in the Wallonnian classic. Nevertheless, Valverde's low profile must raise red flags about his possible doping practices. Whether he'll be investigated or charged (not likely) with doping remains to be seen, but the question will always be there. At least until he gets some big results in 2008.