UCI scuttles Tuesday’s Valverde presentation

The UCI has scuttled a scheduled presentation of Alejandro Valverde as a new member of Movistar next season.

Movistar officials were planning on a high-profile media event at the telecommunication giant’s sprawling campus north of Madrid to introduce Valverde as the team’s leader for the 2012 campaign.

The team was forced to cancel the event after UCI cited rules that forbid Valverde in participating in such an event while still serving a ban.

Valverde’s two-year ban for being linked to the Operación Puerto doping scandal ends at the end of 2011. He will be rejoining Movistar for next season, with likely targets the Ardennes classics and the Tour de France.

Official Movistar communique:

“We are sorry to announce that the Alejandro Valverde presentation event as new Movistar Team rider for the next seasons to be held tomorrow in Madrid has been postponed. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has not permitted the presence by the rider in the event by virtue of an interpretation of the international rules which we show in strong disagreement with, but which we have to obey to avoid any disciplinary measures its breach would result in.

“We reiterate in our apologies for this postponement coming such little time before the event.”