After 7 years, trial starts in Puerto doping case

MADRID (AP) - The trial in Spain's Operation Puerto case was starting Monday, offering the prospect of new revelations about doping in cycling.

In the wake of Lance Armstrong's doping admission, five defendants are due to appear in a Madrid courtroom. The long-delayed trial follows the discovery by Spanish investigators of one of cycling's most sophisticated and widespread doping networks seven years ago.

The case, in which 35 witnesses are expected to testify, is due to last until March 22.

One of the defendants, Eufemiano Fuentes, a doctor, was seen entering the courthouse on Monday.

His sister and fellow doctor Yolanda, Manolo Saiz, a former ONCE and Liberty Seguros team sports director, as well as Vicente Belda and Ignacio Labarta, both associated with the former Kelme team, also are on trial.