February 14/11 9:21 am - Contador May be Cleared

Posted by Editor on 02/14/11
 

The Cycling Federation of Spain (RFEC) may clear Alberto Contador of using performance enhancing drugs, specifically, clenbuterol.  The AFP wire service and Spanish newspapers have both cited sources that say there is a good chance that Contador will not receive a sanction.  Canadian Cyclist has also received word from a well-connected industry source that the Spanish Justice Ministry has decided that the evidence does not legally support a sanction, and that Contador will be cleared.

However, should Contador be cleared from sanctions, the UCI could still appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to have the penalty applied (two years).  The UCI, in recent statements, have pointed out that there is no minimum threshold quantity of clenbuterol for sanctions.  The RFEC is expected to release their decision within the next 48 hours.