Siriuscat said:
Said this already, RFEC and probably CAS will realise that technically and legally WADA and the UCI may not have a leg to stand on. ONLY the Cologne lab have the ability to test for Clenbuterol at those levels, no other lab has, were ALL tour blood/Urine samples tested at Cologne?? Has EVERY single UCI sanction Blood/Urine sample been tested at the same lab all year??
At best a three month slap on the wrist, at worst he'll get off on a technicality (there are probably dozens to chose from...)
CAS has already laughed these kind of defences away in the past. It's like a shoplifter arguing he shouldn't get a sentence because the cop that chased him was the only cop in the force that was fast enough te catch him.
Anyway, this is the UCI press release. I noticed they still don't talk about an adverse analytical finding, what's going on?
COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 8 novembre / 8 November 2010
The UCI requests the opening of disciplinary proceedings against Alberto Contador
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 23 August 2010, 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 21 July, 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 26 August 2010. This examination took place on 8 September 2010 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 24 August 2010.
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 competence 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 until these proceedings have been completed.
UCI Press Service