Wed, Nov 10 10 01:57 AM
Alberto Contador faces an uncertain future in cycling after the sport's governing body (UCI) asked the Spanish cycling federation (RFEC) to open disciplinary proceedings against him for failing a drugs test.
The 27-year-old Spaniard, a three-time Tour winner, tested positive for a small amount of the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol on the second rest day of this year's race and has said he may end his career if he is given a ban.
Contador said the traces came from contaminated meat he had eaten, prompting a further investigation by the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which led to Monday's request to the RFEC.
Q - What is clenbuterol?
A - Clenbuterol is an anabolic agent commonly used to treat breathing problems. It can be abused by athletes for weight loss and to enhance muscle size. It can have short-term stimulant effects, including increasing aerobic capacity, blood pressure and alertness.
Q - How long will it take before the RFEC rules?
A - An RFEC decision is expected within a month, or three months at the most. The federation is likely to act quickly so Contador can launch a possible appeal as soon as possible.
If the RFEC failed to resolved the case within three months it would automatically be handed on to Spain's anti-doping commission, which is overseen by the government sports council.
Q - What punishment can Contador expect?
A - A two-year ban is likely. His A and B sample were positive and although only a very small concentration showed up in his system it remains a straightforward positive test.
Q - What would happen if the RFEC cleared him?
A - That could trigger a swift reaction from the UCI, whose president Pat McQuaid has accused Spain of not doing enough to tackle doping in cycling. The UCI and WADA can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if they feel the sanction is not stiff enough.
Q - What other options do the RFEC have?
A - They could hand Contador a shorter ban. American swimmer Jessica Harding had her ban reduced from two years to one after the American Arbitration Association said she did not take clenbuterol intentionally.
Q - What can Contador do if he is banned?
A - He also has the option of appealing to CAS.
Q - What will happen to the Tour de France title he won this year?
A - If he is banned, even for one day, he will lose it.
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