November 8/10 17:30 pm - UCI Begins Disciplinary Proceedings Against Contador

Posted by Editoress on 11/8/10
 

The International Cycling Union (UCI) today requested the Spanish National Cycling Federation (RFEC) to open disciplinary proceedings against the rider Alberto Contador. This request complies with the procedure set out by the World Anti-Doping Code as established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

On August 23rd, the Cologne laboratory sent the UCI an analysis report indicating an abnormal result (presence of clenbuterol) in a urine sample taken from the Spanish rider during a test carried out on July 21st, the second rest day of the 2010 Tour de France. The laboratory simultaneously sent this information to WADA.

Duly informed of these facts and the probability of his impending provisional suspension, Alberto Contador requested the analysis of the B sample on August 26th. This examination took place on September 8th and confirmed the traces of clenbuterol. For additional safety, considering the very low concentration detected, the UCI continued scientific investigations in collaboration with WADA. In particular, it conducted a series of new analyses on all the blood and urine samples taken from the rider in the period in question.

In accordance with the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code applicable to the case, the UCI thus declared the provisional suspension of Alberto Contador from August 24th.

At the end of a long and meticulous enquiry entrusted to highly qualified, WADA-accredited experts, and considering all the information currently in its possession, the UCI has concluded that disciplinary proceedings should be opened against Alberto Contador. The UCI has today sent its request to the Spanish Federation that has jurisdiction in this regard. It is now the responsibility of this Federation to determine whether Alberto Contador has breached the UCI Anti-Doping Rules. In the meantime, until the end of the proceedings and despite his provisional suspension, Alberto Contador still benefits from a presumption of innocence.

Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the UCI is unable to provide any additional [comment] until these proceedings have been completed.