Alberto Contador today handed over documents to the competition committee of the Spanish cycling federation (RFEC) which he hopes will prevent sanctioning over his positive test for Clenbuterol in this year’s Tour de France.
According to Spanish media reports, the 27 year old rider and his legal team attended the hearing and have provided what they feel is evidence to show that his positive test came from eating contaminated beef during the race.
They also argue that the amount in question – 50 picograms per millilitre – is too small to have any effect on athletic performance.
Marca quotes a source close to the rider, who stated that he ‘has submitted all necessary documents to the federation.’
It is not known what specific evidence the Pinto native provided. He has said that he is drawing on the work of a number of scientific experts to fight the charges.
Contador faces a possible lengthy sanction, but he has stated that he is confident of fighting attempts to penalise him. He has suggested that he could retire from the sport if he is suspended for a long period.
The triple Tour winner will begin the Saxo Bank – SunGard training camp this weekend in Fuerteventura.
Meanwhile five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain has said that he hopes there is a quick decision on the matter.
“I hope that by the end of the season the [governing] bodies have decided, whether for better or for worse. We expect that those who must decide will choose something. The case has become far too big," he told Diariovasco.
When asked what effect this case would have on Contador, he was undecided. “It is difficult to comment on a complex subject. Each rider reacts in a different way. There are athletes who have lost their sport, profession, etc, but others are stronger. Everybody is different. I do not know how this will affect Alberto.”