Ivan Basso hopes for quick conclusion to Alberto Contador's hearings
Italian veteran Ivan Basso has said he hopes the hearings against Tour de France-winner Alberto Contador will conclude swiftly.
Contador's legal team are currently preparing his case ahead of the Spanish Cycling Federation's (RFEC) hearings against the Spaniard.
The rider has adamantly denied the doping allegations leveled against him after this year's Tour, claiming that the low level of Clenbuterol found in his urine sample was a result of food contamination.
"I hope Alberto can resolve things as soon and as well as possible. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty," Basso told Italian daily
La Repubblica about the hearings.
In 2007, Basso was handed a two-year ban for conspiring to participate in blood doping during the infamous Operation Mountain Pass case. The Italian returned to cycling in October 2008.
The following season, Basso finished fourth in the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a Espana before winning the Giro in 2010, his second title in the race after claiming it for the first time in 2005.
Will prioritize Tour in 2011
In 2005, Basso finished second in the Tour's general classification. For next season, Contador's favourite event will also form the highest priority for the 32-year-old, who insisted his preparations will not be affected by the hearings against the Spaniard.
"I’m not his defence lawyer and I don’t know the facts of the case, but I consider him the strongest stage race rider. My problem isn’t knowing if he’ll be at the Tour de France. I’m just focusing on being in the possible form I can be for the Grand Boucle."
The Giro winner added that while his sport's reputation is tainted by the many doping investigations, it should be remembered that cycling is doing more than many other sports to work against the use of prohibited substances.
"It’s not nice to keep hearing of all these problems, but it’s also important to underline the fact that cycling is the sport doing more than anyone else in the fight against doping."
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