L’Équipe raises new doubts over Contador
By: Cycling NewsPublished: October 1, 12:26, Updated: October 1, 12:33
Alberto Contador during his press conference as he tries to explain how his urine sample became contaminated with clenbuterol
French sports paper L’Équipe has reported that tests undertaken on Alberto Contador’s urine sample from the Tour de France have revealed the presence of a plastic component that is found in blood transfusion bags. According to the paper, this could indicate that the three-time Tour winner underwent a blood transfusion before being undergoing a drug control on July 21 that revealed the presence of Clenbuterol.
The paper says that investigators working on Contador’s case at the laboratory in Cologne have tested the Spaniard’s urine using a method developed by Dr Jordi Segura at a laboratory in Barcelona. The method enables the detection of a plastic substance that derives from bags used to transport blood.
According to L’Équipe, this substance, known as di(2-ethylhexyl), has been found in Contador’s urine. This suggests that Contador could have received a transfusion of blood that he gave earlier in the season and which contained traces of Clenbuterol.
L’Équipe adds that Segura’s method, details of which were published in 2009, has not yet been validated by the anti-doping authorities and will require further testing before it can be ratified.
The investigators in Cologne are reported to be going through the Astana rider’s blood passport in minute detail in order to assess whether there are any anomalies. L’Équipe says that “the passport of the Spanish cyclist, which is chaotic at times, has provided no reason for suspicion”.
The UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency have refused to comment on L’Équipe’s story.
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Bye, Bye Alberto...see you in two years
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though L'Equipe and other news agencies pursue a "witch hunt" mentality. I have no doubt that any number of natural food products contain substances which show up through one test or another as "suspicious". Maybe he cheated or maybe he just put the wrong salsa on his taco. It will be a great day when technology progresses to the point where post-race testing will be absolute and final. I am tired of "new tests" coming in months, or even years after the fact and tarnishing this sport and its participants.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I do agree with you. Guessing games with something like this is a painful thing for cycling. unfortunately this is something that will probably never go away. For every new test there will be a new drug. Though I am not a fan of Alberto (for selfish reasons) and would not miss him if he were suspended, it would a huge lose for the sport.
ReplyDeleteI would hate to see what we would test positive for after all of those breakfasts at Sis's.
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