"Iban is important to us"

Iban`s sports director at Saunier Duval, Joxean "Matxin" Fernandez, is still in a state of shock after it was revealed Iban tested positive for EPO. "I have no explanation for this", he said to DEIA, "I don`t understand it. Already this year he`s passed four UCI controls without any problems or suspiscious results whatsoever. In addition, he was under no pressure. When he joined us we said we wanted him to enjoy the bike again. He did not have any economic incentive to win a stage or to go for a high overall placing. His contract doesn`t even end this year... I just don`t understand all this". Further he said that Iban is totally downcast, but that he believes Iban: "I still believe him. It`s a very hard and difficult situation to face for us, especially as Iban is a very important rider and person to us". At least it`s good to see that Iban has still got support from his mentor. It seems people are not just leaving Iban all alone, and that`s important as he needs all the support he can get, now more than ever.