Alberto Contador made headlines this week after being charged by CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) in a suspected clembuterol doping case. He reportedly tested positive during a stage of the 2012 Tour de France and has been stripped of his 2010 Tour and 2011 Giro victories; moreover, he cannot compete until 6th August and is barred from the London Olympics.

Contador maintains his innocence despite being unable to prove that the positive test resulted from consuming contaminated meat.

Alberto Contador, accused of doping


Although the ruling states there was no intentional doping, CAS shows no indication of reversing its decision. The Spanish cyclist has expressed his disappointment after fighting for over eighteen months to prove his innocence - even voluntarily submitting to a polygraph test.

During Wednesday's press conference, he stated the accusations contradict all values instilled in him since childhood and that he fails to understand the sanction. The resolution appears to clarify he didn't dope, as the clembuterol quantity was so negligible it couldn't possibly affect performance.

What weighs heaviest on the athlete isn't the two-year ban or revoked titles, as he claimed trophies matter less than "the memory people retain after my victories in each competition".

Alberto Contador accused of doping


Nevertheless, Alberto Contador will remain in cycling, continuing to fight as hard as ever to stay at the top while competing cleanly as he insists he always has. Despite recent events, the cyclist still believes in the sport and knows he'll return with undiminished passion.

CAS's ruling - issued eighteen months after the positive test - has sparked major controversy. While the verdict acknowledges this isn't a clear doping case, it imposes the maximum penalty. The Court of Arbitration for Sport will separately rule on a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) lawsuit demanding Contador forfeit 70% of his salary (€2,485,000) in addition to the 2-year suspension.

Both UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) believe the clembuterol resulted from tainted nutritional supplements or even blood doping. They dispute the beef contamination theory, as Spain doesn't have livestock with such contamination issues.

Contador after winning the 2010 Tour de France


All eyes now turn to CAS's forthcoming statement. Currently, the suspension stands until August, forcing contract terminations with sponsors - though Saxo Bank remains his priority, according to the cyclist's brother/manager.  

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