VARESE (Italy), Sept 27: World cycling chief Pat McQuaid admitted he would be “very disappointed” if it was proved that top rider Frank Schleck has been involved in doping.

However, the president of the International Cycling Union said the UCI is powerless to stop the Luxemburger, who wore the Tour de France yellow jersey in July, from competing at the men’s road race here at the world championships on Sunday.

Schleck has been called to a hearing by the Duchy’s anti-doping authorities over a report which claims he paid 7000 euros into a Swiss bank account held by a doctor at the centre of the ‘Operation Puerto’ doping affair which erupted in Spain two years ago.—AFP