The Spanish Cycling Federation has decided to exonerate Alberto Contador from doping allegations, overturning its previous proposal for a one-year ban following a positive test during the Tour de France.
Contador will keep his third Tour title and is eligible to compete in this year’s race; however, the International Cycling Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency retain the option to appeal this ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Last year, Contador tested positive for the prohibited substance clenbuterol.
He attributed the positive result to consuming contaminated beef.
“Justice has been served,” stated Andy Ramos, Contador’s lawyer.
This ruling arrived three weeks after the Spanish federation suggested a reduced suspension of one year instead of the standard two-year ban.
Following this, Contador’s team advocated for his exoneration and for him to face no consequences.
“Upon receiving the case dossier, we are now clear for Alberto to race,” Ramos noted.
“The UCI will review the dossier. From our viewpoint, there is no basis for an appeal, and we hope the UCI opts not to appeal the decision.”
The UCI acknowledged that Contador is allowed to compete, contingent on any forthcoming appeal decisions from CAS.
The UCI has one month to contest the federation’s verdict, while WADA has an additional 21 days after that period. It is anticipated that any appeals process may extend until at least June, with the Tour set to commence on July 2.
Contador will be riding for his new Saxo Bank-Sunguard team during the Tour of the Algarve, which is a five-stage event in southern Portugal starting this week.
As the two-time defending champion, Contador is expected to share his thoughts on the ruling during a televised interview prior to the race.
“If all goes as planned, the rider will start tomorrow at the Tour of the Algarve,” said Jacinto Vidarte, spokesman for Contador.
Contador expressed his determination to contest the proposed one-year suspension nearly three weeks ago, labeling himself a victim of outdated and flawed anti-doping regulations.
“It’s about honor, protecting your pride and integrity,” remarked the 28-year-old Spaniard at the time.
He presented additional evidence in line with UCI and WADA anti-doping regulations allowing for the “elimination” of sanctions if the athlete can prove “no fault or negligence” after a trace amount of clenbuterol was detected in his test.
Contador maintains that he consumed meat laced with clenbuterol on a rest day during the Tour in July.
His situation underscores a rising concern about unintentional ingestion of clenbuterol through meat from livestock that have been administered the drug, which is used to reduce fat and enhance muscle gain.
This substance is included on WADA’s list of zero-tolerance items.
Contador, one of only five cyclists to win the Tour, Giro d’Italia, and Spanish Vuelta, previously secured Tour victories in 2007 and 2009. However, he was unable to defend his initial title in 2008 due to the doping-related ban on his Astana team.
Buford Balony says: Yeah, contaminated meat!