Those seeking a role model might baulk at the three-time Tour de France winner being included on a list of sports stars. There was his unseemly via-the-media spat with Lance Armstrong during and after the 2009 Tour and then an ethically questionable breakaway from rival Andy Schleck during the 2010 race, just after the Luxembourg rider’s chain came loose. And let’s not forget the clenbuterol doping case from the same year hanging over this cyclist from Pinto, Madrid, who insists he tested positive after eating some contaminated meat. But if you had to choose the world’s most talented road racer, especially if you throw some mountains into the mix, then Contador’s your man. … [Read more...] about Alberto Contador
Alberto Contador
Contador in the clear, but under a cloud
Alberto Contador, taking his place at the start line of the Volta ao Algarve last week after the Spanish cycling federation had overturned a proposed one-year ban for doping, described his mere presence at the race as “a real victory.” The Spanish cyclist’s last competitive victory had come at the 2010 Tour de France, where riding with the Astana team Contador won the race for a third time. In August, a month after the Tour ended, it was announced that Contador had tested positive for a banned steroid, clenbuterol, during the race. He was placed under provisional suspension by the International Cycling Union, leading to a six-month period of claim, counter-claim and profound … [Read more...] about Contador in the clear, but under a cloud
Spain’s doping habit threatens to sully golden year
Another Civil Guard doping bust and another sports star is suspected of having cheated their way to the top. This time, it is Marta Domínguez, the world steeplechase champion, whose house was raided on December 9 to reveal enough illegal doping products, including EPO, for her to be suspected of supplying other athletes, Spanish media has reported. Domínguez was one of 14 people, mainly from the world of athletics, who were arrested as part of “Operation Galgo” (she was later released pending investigation). Others included her trainer César Pérez, the highly regarded coach Manuel Pascua and former 3,000m runner Alberto García. But it is the apparent fall from grace of Domínguez, 35, … [Read more...] about Spain’s doping habit threatens to sully golden year
Is a steak really why Contador’s reputation is at stake?
Alberto Contador has faced some pretty stiff challenges over the last couple of months. More than one of those have been posed by Andy Schleck, the rider from Luxembourg who was right on his rear wheel for so much of the Tour de France, before the Spaniard secured his third Paris victory. And yet, the latest test for Contador cannot be solved by his incredible ability to accelerate up steep hills, dancing on the pedals as he does so. A positive drugs result during this year’s Tour for a banned substance, clenbuterol, means he could possibly be stripped of that latest title and banned from the sport. The test was carried out on July 21, three days before the end of the race and the UCI … [Read more...] about Is a steak really why Contador’s reputation is at stake?