Alberto Contador and Bjarne Riis, August 2010

Alberto Contador says he is 'relieved and happy' that his suspension from competition relating to a positive anti-doping test for clenbuterol during the 2010 Tour de France has been lifted by the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC).

In a statement issued by his Saxo Bank team on Tuesday evening, Contador said: "First of all, I'm relieved and obviously happy about this ruling. 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.

"To both the team and the authorities I have explained, that I never cheated or deliberately took a banned substance."

Saxo Bank owner Bjarne Riis also added his expression of relief, but also added that he was aware that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) or World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) may appeal against the decision to drop Contador's suspension.

"We take note of this decision and fully respect it, but we're also sensitive to the fact, that the parties of this case still have the right to appeal this decision."

"I really want to take this opportunity to emphasize again that nothing in our values has changed. We're still a team that strongly condemn all kind of cheating, including doping. But we will at all times also be a fair team. It is of great importance, that we don't equate conscious cheating and an accidental intake of a banned substance."

Contador is named as part of Saxo Bank's squad for the Tour of the Algarve in Portugal, which starts tomorrow (Wednesday).

The UCI has said that it is awaiting the full dossier from RFEC before making a further decision on the case.

Related links

Contador now cleared of clenbuterol charges

Spanish media claims Contador could avoid ban

Contador could use 'Gasquet's Kiss' theory to back case

Contador says he will fight on despite provisional ban

UCI awaits final Spanish decision in Contador case

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.