Contador banned for a year, has 10 days to appeal

News logo generic

Alberto Contador has been handed a one-year suspension from competition by the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) for testing positive for clenbuterol during the 2010 Tour de France. He has also been stripped of his 2010 Tour de France win.

Spanish paper Marca reported on Wednesday evening that Contador was given the 12-month ban, and that he now has 10 working days to appeal against the decision.

A definitive verdict in his case is due by February 10, 2011.

Contador was provisionally suspended by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) in August after tesing positive for banned drug clenbuterol during the second rest day of the 2010 Tour de France on July 21 in Pau.

A low amount of the drug was found in Contador's urine sample - 50 picograms or 0.000 000 000 05 grams per millilitre - but its use is banned at any level.

The Astana rider quickly blamed tainted meat as the source of the clenbuterol, claiming that a friend had imported a steak from Spain for him to eat. Unscrupulous farmers have in the past used clenbuterol to increase the quality of meat from their livestock, although its use in farming is banned in the European Union.

Related links

Contador to learn fate on Thursday

Contador ban decision due on Thursday

UCI admits it had documentation on Contador case since early December

WADA disputes Contador contaminated meat theory

Contador welcomes disciplinary hearing into clenbuterol case

Contador strengthens defence team in clenbuterol case

What next for Contador?

Spain's sports minister urges patience in Contador case

Saxo Bank to continue team sponsorship with or without Contador

Riis has a plan B is Contador is banned

How does clenbuterol testing work

Contador considers quitting cycling due to doping scandal

Tension rises over Contador's clenbuterol case

Contador case splits experts' opinions

Alberto Contador: The clenbuterol, the beef excuse and traces of plastic

Spanish authorities investigate source of Contador's mystery meat

McQuaid quiet on Contador case but says Spain can do more

Did Contador have a transfusion during the Tour?

Contador points finger at imported meat for clenbuterol positive

Contador tests positive for clenbuterol says governing body

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.