In another blemish on the face of pro Cycling, Alberto Contador, three time Tour de France winner, has been suspended from cycling for suspicion of taking a banned substance. This allegation is based on small amounts of the steroid Clenbuterol that were found in Contador’s Blood. Along with this allegation the French publication L’Equipe is now reporting that traces of plastic, that are used in transfusions bags, have also been found in Contador’s blood. Both claims are still under investigation, however, based on the finding of Clenbuterol in Contador’s blood he will be suspended until further notice.

Contador is claiming that the Clenbuterol found in his blood was due to tainted steak he consumed during the 2010 Tour de France. Some experts have concurred that this is a plausible story, noting that occasionally cows are injected with Clenbuterol. However, others have noted that the likelihood that the Clenbuterol in steak would have survived the cooking process and then survived in Contador’s system is unlikely. It seems very suspicious that Contador is able to pinpoint the cause of Clenbuterol being in his blood so quickly. When pro cyclist Floyd Landis (self admitted blood doper) was accused of blood doping, he immediately put fourth numerous, some very compelling, explanations that lead to the negative test results. It is hard not to be skeptical of Contador when many individuals before him were initially so convincing of their innocence, but eventually would be proven guilty. I hope Alberto Contador is innocent not only for his sake but for the sake of cycling.

Regardless of the outcome, this story it is yet another blow for the already reeling sport of cycling. Another champion has the cloud of drugs hanging over him. With all the clouds hovering over the sport of cycling it is becoming hard to see the stars.

Justin Mayer

Executive Director-ISPA