It's an image we've seen all too often in pro cycling lately. A remorseful champion, a shamed domestique, an unknown neo-pro whose only limelight comes from controversy. They all have reasons, excuses, stories, etc...
So. Did he do it?
Riis believes him. His brother is supporting him (although his level of support may have gone as far as blood transfusions...) Even the lab that performed the tests admit that the level of Clenbuterol in Contador's system was 180 times less than what has been proven to actually effect performance in humans. The "contaminated" beef theory sounds pretty far-fetched, but is plausible due to Clenbuterol's occasional use in cattle.
Frankly, I'm not convinced that Contador is guilty of using Clenbuterol as a doping agent. There just isn't enough compelling evidence. In fact, had WADA's usual lab been performing the blood control tests such a minute amount (50 picograms) wouldn't have even been detected!
From the UCI's press release:
“The concentration found by the laboratory was estimated at 50 picograms (or 0,000 000 000 05 grams per ml) which is 400 time less than what the antidoping laboratories accredited by WADA must be able to detect.”
However.
This is not to say that I believe Contador is innocent of blood doping. I actually think he IS guilty. Just not of intentionally using Clenbuterol.
It's a classic case of "wrong place, wrong time." Due to the presence of Clenbuterol Contador's samples are now being closely tested and scrutinized. And, guess what?! MORE evidence of doping!!
Now we're getting to the real stuff... Blood transfusions. Dr. Segura of an IOC accredited lab in Barcelona has developed a new test to detect plasticizers in blood samples which are only found in blood transfusion bags. Contador's B sample reportedly tested positive.
Uh oh!
Sorry Contador, but I think you got busted.
I think it's interesting that none of his sponsors (namely Specialized) and very few of his contemporaries have really come forward in his support in the Clenbuterol case. Even Landis had an army of supporters! Is it because they think he's guilty? Or are they just cautiously awaiting the outcome like the rest of us, unwilling to offer support after being burned by so many others?
Look, the reality is that MOST (not all) of the pro cyclists out there are using some sort of doping. Some not as much as others. Some have access to the latest greatest dope that is difficult to detect. Some use tried and true methods. Some actually try to race clean. Too bad for them... they don't have much chance! In any event, doping in pro cycling has become a given. I'm no longer surprised when news like this surfaces, just surprised it's taken so long to surface.
