Astana rider Alberto Contador has tested positive for Clenbuterol following a test carried out on July 21st. Analysis of that sample revealed traces of the banned steroid clenbuterol.
The news came via a brief statement from Contador’s spokesman, claiming the positive result was due to food contamination. Contador will hold a Press Conference today at Hotel Las Artes, Pinto to give his version of what happened to the public.
Contador won the 2007, 2009 and 2010 Tours de France, but will now face the possibility of losing the title he won in July and face a ban. The WADA anti-doping code states an athlete is responsible for the substances and products they take which will make a case for Contador to prove his innocence more difficult.
What is it Clenbuterol?
Clenbuterol has some structural and pharmacological similarities to epinephrine and salbutamol, but its effects are more potent and longer-lasting as a stimulant and thermogenic drug. It causes an increase in aerobic capacity, central nervous system stimulation, and an increase in blood pressure and oxygen transportation. It increases the rate at which fats are metabolized, simultaneously increasing the body’s BMR. It is commonly used for smooth muscle relaxant properties. This means that it is a bronchodilator and tocolytic. It is usually used in dosages anywhere from 20-60 micrograms a day when prescribed. Recently though, the drug has been publicized for its off-label use as a weight loss drug.
UCI statement in full :
| 30.09.2010 |
| The UCI confirmed today that Spanish rider Alberto Contador returned an adverse analytical finding for clenbuterol following the analysis of urine sample taken during an in competition test on 21st July 2010 on the second rest day of the Tour de France.
This result was reported by the WADA accredited laboratory in Cologne to UCI and WADA simultaneously. The concentration found by the laboratory was estimated at 50 picograms (or 0,000 000 000 05 grams per ml). In view of this very small concentration and in consultation with WADA, the UCI immediately had the proper results management proceedings conducted including the analysis of B sample that confirmed the first result. The rider, who had already put an end to his cycling season before the result was known, was nevertheless formally and provisionally suspended as is prescribed by the World Anti-Doping Code. This case required further scientific investigation before any conclusion could be drawn. The UCI continues working with the scientific support of WADA to analyse all the elements that are relevant to the case. This further investigation may take some more time. In order to protect the integrity of the proceedings and in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code, the UCI will refrain from making any further comments until the management of this adverse analytical finding has been completed. |
Comments
Ricky 30.09.2010 at 01:15pm
Very disapointing but no shock at all. I've been a fan of the sport long enough to become a hardened cynic. I have to applaude the sport however for continuing to risk its reputation to the main stream media in order to continue the clean up. Would have been so easy to turn a blind eye. As for Contador, well, the old "food contamination" excuse isn't going to fly with anyone.
Bikepure ny 30.09.2010 at 10:38am
Sorry. Both A and B samples positive! Confused as the UCI usually release a statement when a rider's A sample is positive. But one rule for the stars another for ........
BikePure NY 30.09.2010 at 08:32am
If the B sample contains the drug, regardless of AC cries, he will be stripped of his third Tour de France victory, putting him in Floyd's shoes....and putting the image of our sport back in the toilet!
Evan Lloyd 30.09.2010 at 08:24am
Waiting for the B sample to be returned. Not looking good. Because it is a tiny amount of the substance, it either, as he says a contamination, (but only known cases were with pig meat in China!) or his doctor has messed up with the microdose schedule. What a muffin.!
Bill Kerswacki 30.09.2010 at 08:20am
If he is a cheat, Im putting a saw thru my Trek. So disappointed.
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