With a serious face and visibly shaken after being suspended as a precautionary measure by the International Cycling Union, Alberto Contador has said that his positive test for clenbuterol in the Tour de France comes from the consumption of meat especially brought from Spain and only ate it and four Astana teammates, "although they were not subject to any controls."
"It is important to send a clear message and is widespread both for my sake and for the world of sport, because it is a social problem, "were the words with which the rider from Madrid began his appearance before the media to defend his innocence before the clenbuterol positive in a doping control for the past Tour de France.
"This is the result of a sample of clenbuterol in a control study in the Tour de France on day 21 in the afternoon. This is a millionth of -50 pg clenbuterol, the equivalent 0.00000000005 grams per milliliter of urine or 0.05 nanograms. The International Cycling Union informs me the appearance of this sample on 24 August afternoon. On 26 I met with the ICU medical group and explained what had happened, but in front of me own UCI confirmed to me that this was a case of food contamination, "he said.
According to Contador, who ate meat and, according to him, which would have led to its positive, was taken to France during the visit of José Luis López cilista Cerrón-ex and current director of the Tour of Castilla y Leon: "I was going to come to the Tour and asked if I could bring something, and the cook of our team, Astana, asked for a good steak . Cerrón Lopez bought in a shop in Spain, but do not know the exact origin and in the afternoon of 20 is cooked the meat on the team bus. There were four riders, including Vinokourov Astana, the only one that passed the control with counter- down to dinner before me and who ate meat that had the hotel, and that they complained that it was really bad. Then down another five riders, including myself, and yes we ate the meat brought from Spain and, of course, was really good. The next day, 21 in the rest day and after the usual training, I underwent a blood control, then came back to eat more of the meat and only three hours afterward spent a control urine the same day is when the substance is detected, "the three-time Tour.
"The system is in doubt"
Contador was sure that his case raises serious questions around the test system: "This case is incomparable to any other clemuterol, because as I was leading I spent several consecutive tests. On day 21 the number decreased greatly, the next day I control spending and almost not there. This is a clear sign that the system is highly questionable and must be studied because they are so minimal amounts that it is impossible to provide unless food contamination and level of performance is not good for anything, any expert can confirm, "said Contador, who insisted that because of what happened," I rather doubt system. I have always worked to the fullest, no person who has a better system of permanent location than me, "he said.
Cries out for justice
The winner of the Tour tirple has recounted the ordeal Staff who are living since the news was reported by the ICU, and has called for justice: "My mood is sad, but I am disappointed with our heads high because the truth before we can speak loud and clear. Wear one and a half swallowing it without sleeping. My family did not learn until last night, "he confessed, adding that" I have nothing to hide, I have my life settled and would not require pedaling to live, let alone this . The truth is there, I could have made a script but my script is only the truth, "he said.
"I will not tolerate a penalty"
After his strong defense before the Madrid public opinion has made clear he does not think can be resigned to a penalty. "It worries me to doubt my results in the Tour de France, I know how I did things. My defense is the controls that I have, that and the truth is my defense. I hope that the UCI and WADA clearly visible what is the case, whether they have to change the rule. But I can not bear to have sanctions, it is intolerable, "he said.
The last hours are not being easy for the Spanish rider, who confirmed to be in permanent contact with the UCI and its president, Patrick McQuaid, and although "I came heart sank when I reported it" hopes that all be resolved "soon." For that there are still several stages, which are perhaps the toughest days have Contador face from a happy landing in professional cycling, a journey that is presumed bitter and in which, for now, has the support of what will be his new team, Saxo Bank. "In last night I talked to Bjarne Riis, I explained what happened and understood it perfectly. I hope you continue to support me. I feel very embraced by my team, people around the international authorities," said cyclist .