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Paris - Spanish ace Alejandro Valverde has no chance of seeing a lengthy doping ban reduced by the International Cycling Union (UCI) if he admits to doping, cycling's world ruling body declared on Sunday.
Valverde was recently handed a ban that will see him sidelined until the end of 2011 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following his role in the Operation Puerto doping scandal.
He did not test positive, however, the CAS supported the UCI in its charge that DNA from a blood bag seized during the Puerto raid in Madrid in May 2006 belonged to Valverde.
Recent reports suggested the Spaniard would benefit from a reduced suspension if he admitted to doping, but the UCI told AFP Sunday: "The UCI categorically denies any suggestion that Valverde's ban is up for negotiation.
"The rider is suspended and will remain so until the end of his ban."
