Spanish expect UCI results soon, then will decide on Tour winner’s fate
There is confusion over when the verdict for the Alberto Contador Clenbuterol doping case could come, with two different timeframes being reported today. AP indicates the decision could be announced as soon as next week, according to the president of the Spanish cycling federation. However there are separate indications that the RFEC could make the announcement in mid-February. The Spanish authorities expect the answer to technical questions from the International Cycling Union (UCI) soon and will then use this to determine if Contador will be suspended or not.
Spanish cycling federation (RFEC) president Juan Carlos Castaño told press agency AP that he expected to obtain the files from the UCI on January 24. Afterwards the Spanish authorities will evaluate the documents and make a decision; according to that story, it could take three days. However Castaño was quoted in Cope.es as saying that it could be later. “Between February 10 and 15, we will have the sanction or the absolution of the cyclist of Pinto,” he stated there.
Either way, the verdict appears to be coming soon and will decide if Contador is suspended and also if runner-up Andy Schleck will be declared the winner of the 2010 Tour de France. Both Contador and the UCI have the right to appeal any ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. This could delay a final decision and a return of Contador to this year’s racing.
Contador tested positive for Clenbuterol during the 2010 Tour de France. The Spaniard claims that tainted meat caused the positive reading.