CAS to make Contador decision before Tour de France

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has said that it will come to a verdict on Alberto Contador's clenbuterol case before the Tour de France in July.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAS said that it will settle the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) appeals against Alberto Contador's acquittal before the end of June.

The two appeals will be consolidated - if both the UCI and WADA agree - and be dealt with as one case by CAS.

"The parties will now have the opportunity to file written submissions including all their arguments and evidence," read the CAS statement. "The CAS Secretary General has informed the parties that the CAS would be ready to establish a procedural calendar allowing for the settlement of the dispute before the end of June 2011." 

Contador failed a test for clenbuterol on the Tour's second rest day in Pau on July 21. He claimed that the banned substance was ingested via a tainted steak brought to France from Spain by a friend.

Contador was subsequently suspended from competition by the UCI pending investigation by RFEC, who cleared Contador in mid-February allowing him to return to racing.

The Spaniard won the Volta a Catalunya stage race - a UCI World Tour event - last week.

If CAS rule in favour of WADA and the UCI, Contador may face a two-year suspension and have the 2010 Tour title and any subsequent wins stripped from him .

Related links

WADA appeals against Contador acquittal

UCI to appeal to CAS in Contador case

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

Contador tests positive for clenbuterol