Engine
Juniors
- Messages
- 1,959
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/30/3025876.htm?section=justin
Tour de France champion Alberto Contador is set to admit he failed an anti-doping test during this year's race at a press conference this evening.
Contador tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol on July 21 in Pau, during the second rest day of the Tour de France.
Following the rest day the Spaniard set up his third Tour de France victory with a thrilling battle with eventual runner-up Andy Schleck on the famous Col du Tourmalet.
Contador won the Tour by just 39 seconds from Schleck.
A message from Contador's personal press officer says the cyclist was a victim of his food being spiked.
"Alberto Contador is affected by a doping control at the last Tour de France on July 21, where it was found the substance clenbuterol," the message reads.
"From the time of the first communication from the UCI, August 24, Alberto Contador alleged food contamination as the only possible explanation of what happened and has been turned over to the cyclist authorities since then in the confidence that this very serious problem could be clarified, which now is public.
"The experts consulted so far have agreed also that this is a food contamination case, especially considering the number of tests passed by Alberto Contador during the Tour de France, making it possible to define precisely both the time the emergence of the substance as the tiny amount detected, ruling out any other source or intentionality.
"Alberto Contador will offer ... a press conference in order to give his version of what happened to the public."
Clenbuterol is often used to treat breathing disorders such as asthma, and increases the user's heart rate, temperature, perspiration and blood pressure.
Cycling's governing body, the UCI, is expected to release a statement later today.
Contador's press conference from his home town of Pinto is scheduled for 8.00pm today AEST.
The news casts a massive shadow over the cycling world championships which are currently being held in Geelong, as well as a sport that has been plagued by a string of drug cheats.
The news also provides some reasons as to why Contador snubbed the event in which Australia's Cadel Evans is the reigning champion in the road race.
American Floyd Landis is the only rider to be stripped of a Tour de France victory after testing positive to testosterone after winning the 2006 edition.
Contador was part of the Astana team during this year's Tour de France but has since secured a move to rivals Saxo Bank.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Huge, huge story. If all checks out, it is the biggest disgrace in cycling history. His Tour titles must be scratched off the record books.
Tour de France champion Alberto Contador is set to admit he failed an anti-doping test during this year's race at a press conference this evening.
Contador tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol on July 21 in Pau, during the second rest day of the Tour de France.
Following the rest day the Spaniard set up his third Tour de France victory with a thrilling battle with eventual runner-up Andy Schleck on the famous Col du Tourmalet.
Contador won the Tour by just 39 seconds from Schleck.
A message from Contador's personal press officer says the cyclist was a victim of his food being spiked.
"Alberto Contador is affected by a doping control at the last Tour de France on July 21, where it was found the substance clenbuterol," the message reads.
"From the time of the first communication from the UCI, August 24, Alberto Contador alleged food contamination as the only possible explanation of what happened and has been turned over to the cyclist authorities since then in the confidence that this very serious problem could be clarified, which now is public.
"The experts consulted so far have agreed also that this is a food contamination case, especially considering the number of tests passed by Alberto Contador during the Tour de France, making it possible to define precisely both the time the emergence of the substance as the tiny amount detected, ruling out any other source or intentionality.
"Alberto Contador will offer ... a press conference in order to give his version of what happened to the public."
Clenbuterol is often used to treat breathing disorders such as asthma, and increases the user's heart rate, temperature, perspiration and blood pressure.
Cycling's governing body, the UCI, is expected to release a statement later today.
Contador's press conference from his home town of Pinto is scheduled for 8.00pm today AEST.
The news casts a massive shadow over the cycling world championships which are currently being held in Geelong, as well as a sport that has been plagued by a string of drug cheats.
The news also provides some reasons as to why Contador snubbed the event in which Australia's Cadel Evans is the reigning champion in the road race.
American Floyd Landis is the only rider to be stripped of a Tour de France victory after testing positive to testosterone after winning the 2006 edition.
Contador was part of the Astana team during this year's Tour de France but has since secured a move to rivals Saxo Bank.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Huge, huge story. If all checks out, it is the biggest disgrace in cycling history. His Tour titles must be scratched off the record books.
