Alberto Contador’s fan goes on a hunger strike after CAS ruling
Cycling fans across the world were left shattered after their star rider Alberto Contador was handed over a two-year-ban.
The Spanish cycling icon was accused of using clenbuterol during the Tour de France 2010 and the case was forwarded to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Both UCI and WADA appealed against the Spanish Cycling Federation’s decision to release the cyclist off all the charges.
CAS made its final decision on February 5th, and handed the cyclist a two-year ban from professional cycling.
He was also been disqualified from the Tour de France 2010 and the Giro d’ Italia 2011 overall victories.
Moreover, Alberto will miss most of the major races in the 2012 season, including Tour de France, Giro d’ Italia and the 2012 Olympic Games.
Contador’s supporters across the globe protested against the decision and one of his fans was so infuriated, he decided to go on a hunger strike.
The 74-year-old retired professor, Unay Talara Robles, is staging his protest in Ayamonte, Huelva.
Robles explained to EFE that the protest will continue until the decision against the cyclist is taken back and he is allowed to race normally again.
He briefed that the reason behind his strong bond with the Spaniard is because he helped him through difficult times in his life.
Talara told the media, “He brought me out of the depression I was suffering with, I could only get over it when I used to watch him racing in the afternoons on the TV”.
“I was very ill, but in my house they knew that each afternoon they had to put me in front of the television and let me watch Contador, and that helped me to move forwards,” he continued.
Robles moved his protest to the town hall after reading Alberto’s comments via internet and persisted not to move and eat until the decision is reverted.
On the other hand, Fran Contador, the cyclist’s brother and personal manager, briefed that their lawyers are working on the CAS ruling.
He explained that Contador will rejoin Team Saxo Bank after his return in August, 2012.
Fran also thanked Bjarne Riis and the Danish team for their help and support during the whole process.
Contador’s return is expected by the 5th of August and the only major race he can participate in is the Vuelta a Espana 2012.
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