Cycling:Andy Schleck insists Alberto Contador will always be the winner of the 2010 Tour de France in his eyes even if the Spaniard is stripped of the title and it is awarded to him.
Schleck finished runner-up in this year’s race as Contador claimed his third crown in four years, but that result could be overturned with the 27-year-old champion facing possible sanctions after testing positive for the banned stimulant clenbuterol during the race.
The International Cycling Union (UCI), which informed Contador of the failed test on August 24th and then provisionally suspended him, last night asked the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) to open disciplinary proceedings against the rider.
Contador has denied any wrongdoing and claimed the positive result was caused by eating contaminated meat, but if he is found guilty then he could be stripped of his Tour title and given a two-year ban.
Schleck, who finished 39 seconds behind Contador in this year's Tour, told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: "I hope there is clarity in this matter as soon as possible. The case is now before the Spanish Cycling Federation and they have to resolve it."
On the prospect of the Tour de France title becoming his, the Luxembourg-born 25-year-old said: “This isn’t the way for me.
“My name could later appear in the record books as the winner, but I would not have experienced the joy (of winning). I want to win the Tour on the road. For me, Contador will always remain the winner of the 2010 Tour.”
A UCI statement issued last night read: “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.
“It is now the responsibility of this (Spanish) 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.”
RFEC president Juan Carlos Castano told Spanish radio there is a three-month deadline to complete the disciplinary procedure, but added: “It could be resolved much earlier, depending on circumstances.”
If the case is not resolved within the three-month limit then it will be handed over to Spain’s anti-doping commission.
The UCI revealed in September that the level of clenbuterol detected in Contador’s urine on July 21st was 400 times smaller than the World Anti-Doping Agency are required to detect.
Clenbuterol can be used to reduce body fat and improve aerobic capacity.
In August, Contador signed a two-year deal to race with Team Saxo Bank from next season after rejecting Astana’s offer of a new contract.