Contador is free to ride again after doping ban is overturned
SPANISH superstar Alberto Contador expressed his relief after winning his appeal against a provisional one-year doping ban.
The three-time Tour de France winner tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol during last year’s race in July.
But the 28-year-old maintained his innocence, insisting contaminated meat was responsible for a failed test, and was cleared yesterday just three weeks after the Spanish cycling federation had handed out the ban.
“First of all, I’m relieved and obviously very happy about this ruling,” said Contador.
“It has been some very stressful months for me, but throughout the case I have been totally available for all inquiries in relation to my case, and all the way through I have spoken in accordance with the truth.”
The sport’s governing body, the UCI, and the World Anti-Doping Agency have the right to challenge the decision, but Contador’s lawyer, Andy Ramos, said he did not believe there were any grounds to appeal.