UCI sends mixed signals in Alberto Contador's case
The Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) has stated that Alberto Contador’s cycling licence is still active because the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has not ordered the RFEC to suspend it.
The UCI had announced, on September 30, that he has been provisionally suspended due to a positive test for clenbuterol taken on July 21, the second rest day of the Tour de France.
However, the RFEC has said the body has not been officially notified of the suspension.
"We do not have any official notification from the International Cycling Union (UCI) and therefore, Contador has an active licence and can compete," said Juan Carlos Castaño, President of the RFEC.
He added, "The UCI has not yet notified us that we need to suspend his license, so there would be legal implications should he race in Oviedo. On Monday we are going to request that the UCI clarify this, that they tell us how we should act and if he really is suspended".
The organisers of the non-UCI Oviedo criterium, to be held on Saturday in northern Spain, had invited the rider to the race, sparking the RFEC’s confirmation that he would be allowed to go.
Contador, however, declined the invitation and his press agent confirmed that he will not compete in any races while the investigation continues.
“Contador never had the intention to race the Criterium Ciudad de Oviedo or any other race, until the current situation is resolved,” said his agent Jacinto Vidarte.
"He wants to be very strict and respectful about it and stay inactive while the International Cycling Union makes a decision in his case," he further stated.
The organisers of the second edition of the October 30 Criterium Ciudad de Oviedo have confirmed that he will not compete in the race, which will feature Olympic Champion Samuel Sánchez.
The confusion evident in the situation sparked criticism from Oscar Pereiro, who finished the Tour de France in the top-10 four times.
He was awarded the overall victory in 2006 after Floyd Landis was banned and his results were nullified.
Pereiro has announced his support for Contador, who claimed that the banned substance entered his bloodstream via tainted meat.
"It can't be that a rider of the level like Contador is in this situation," said Pereiro. "In a weird way, they announced a positive two months after the Tour finished and they don't know what to do".
He went on, "A rider of his level deserves reliable justice. We are talking about a very respected rider, who is very consistent throughout the whole season".
"He doesn't have ups and downs in his form. He is a rider who does all his Tours at an extraordinary level, without being the big dominator, like Lance [Armstrong]," he concluded.
A reporter from German television station ARD was also critical of the UCI’s handling of the case but from a contrary perspective.
Journalist Hans Joachim Seppelt said that he had been tipped off about the positive test before it was made public and contacted the Pat McQuaid, President of the UCI, and he told them there was no positive test.
“The A and B sample were already taken, the procedure was done and still the public wasn't informed,” said Seppelt.
“It appears they want to keep this case under the covers or give Alberto Contador the opportunity to find arguments for his innocence. This should not happen. To me it appears to be a cartel from those who want to conceal,” he stated.
Belgian cycling legend and record-holder Eddy Merckx said that he hopes that Contador is innocent but what he is really worried about is whether or not he will be punished adequately if he is guilty.
“If Contador is guilty, he should be punished heavily,” said Merckx. “The problem is that people are not treated equally when it comes to doping”.
McQuaid has said not to expect a quick ruling on this ‘complicated’ case.
Contador's own mother has offered some insight into how the Spaniard is dealing with the case. "He says: 'I'm thinking about quitting cycling when all of this ends. It's not worth it,'" she said to the Associated Press. "What will he do? He doesn't know".
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