Alberto Contador optimistic for the Eneco Tour 2012
Alberto Contador will return to professional cycling on August 5, after serving a ban of two years. The cyclist will be seen in action at the Eneco Tour right after his return to professional cycling.
He confirmed the news during a recent interview with the local radio station Ser, "in the Eneco Tour. I can also confirm that I will be at the Vuelta a España".
"I'm very motivated for every race I attend. Also, to race your home Grand Tour is special and I will be there even more motivated than if I had 80 days of competition in my legs".
The Spaniard was banned from professional cycling after CAS handed him a two-year ban for doping during the Tour de France 2010.
The jury was convinced that Contador used clenbuterol to enhance his performance at the French race.
The final decision on his case was made in February 2012. Judges also disqualified Alberto from all the victories since the 2010 version of the French Grand Tour.
He is one of the best stage race cyclists the sport has ever seen and there is no question about his abilities. Contador started his professional pursuit with Team ONCE-Eroski in 2003, and spent a period of four years with the side.
He accepted an offer from Discovery Channel Team in 2007, before switching to Team Astana for the 2008-2010 seasons.
The Spaniard penned a deal with Bjarne Riis’ team in 2011 and is continuing his second consecutive season with the side.
Alberto started his 2012 season on a high note and secured his first victory of the season during the 3rd stage of the Tour de San Luis.
He also bagged the 5th stage of the race and occupied the 2nd overall spot after the final general classifications but has now been disqualified.
The 29-year-old has also revealed that he will continue with the Danish team for the remaining part of the season despite a number of offers from other teams.
The ban prevents Contador from riding most of the cycling events including the Tour de France, 2012 Olympic Games and the Giro d’ Italia.
The only Grand Tour he is allowed to ride is the Vuelta a Espana 2012 and Alberto is determined to occupy the top podium spot in front of the home crowd.
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