'Operación Ilex' doctor receives largest criminal conviction in Spanish doping history

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that two Spanish physicians, university professor Marcos Maynar and exercise physiologist Ignacio Bartolomé, have been sentenced for their role in Operación Ilex , reportedly putting an end to the biggest doping case in years.

Maynar has been sentenced to two years in prison and a €2,700 fine, as well as a 21-month suspension – the largest criminal conviction in Spanish doping history. Bartolomé, meanwhile, received a lesser sentence of nine months, plus a €2,100 fine.

Both worked at the same institution, the University of Extramadura, working with swimmers and cyclists, and notably providing their subjects with capsules, though the athletes were reportedly unaware what was inside. It turned out the substances were prohibited drugs including one that reduces lactate accumulation during exercise, and which can carry significant health risks, as well as Actovegin Forte tablets, a medicine designed for cattle. As a result, Maynar and Bartolomé were deemed responsible for transporting and distributing to athletes.

Among the witnesses were several prominent cyclists including Orluis Aular, currently racing the Giro with Movistar, but who came into contact with the disgraced Spanish doctors while riding for Caja Rural-Seguros RGA. None of the riders listed were accused of doping.