Cycling’s world governing body the UCI has announced its intention to appeal against the decision of a Spanish court to destroy more than 200 blood bags seized during Operation Puerto.

World number five Rafael Nadal has criticised the decision of a Spanish court to destroy more than 200 blood bags seized during Operation Puerto – and therefore allow those involved to remain nameless.

The Spanish doctor at the heart of one of cycling’s biggest doping scandals has been found guilty of endangering public health and given a one-year suspended jail sentence in the Operation Puerto case.

The doctor at the centre of Spain’s long-awaited Operation Puerto trial has admitted not only cyclists used his blood-doping services.