Jesus Hernandez, who has become one of Alberto Contador’s most trusted domestiques, has spoken on the ongoing stress of the situation as he and the other riders moving from the Astana team find themselves in. They were signed to help Contador in the Grand Tours, but don’t know if the triple Tour winner will be able to race in 2011 due to his positive test for Clenbuterol.
“I am driven by a rage that you cannot even image, and a horrible powerlessness,” he told Sprint Especial. “This is an injustice and we hope soon that everything will be back in order. He is innocent.”
Contador admits that the banned substance was in his body, but maintains that it was as a result of contamination in meat. Statistics about Clenbuterol use in the European Union make that a difficult argument to pursue, but he is set to argue his case and to try to prevent being sanctioned.
The UCI and WADA are currently investigating the situation. It is not yet known when a decision will be reached. Until then, Hernandez, Contador and the others must wait.
Providing Contador is allowed to continue racing, Hernandez will find himself back in the role of right hand man. He’s a strong climber and finished 19th in the 2009 Vuelta a España. He’s yet to take a professional victory, though and, at 29 years of age, he may need to start working on some personal ambitions.
“Right now, I am happy to help Alberto to win,” he said, while also being aware that he can race for himself in events when Contador is not present.
He’s might be hoping it won’t be the case, but if Contador is ultimately suspended, the future Saxo Bank rider could find himself with a freedom that he’d rather not have right now.