400 times below the required amount to be detected” - but still Alberto Contador is in hot water, after WADA (World Anti Doping Authority) informed the UCI of the Spaniards positive test result to the banned substance ‘clenbuterol’. A non steroidal drug, ‘clenbuterol’ is found in many asthma prescriptions, as a decongestant as well as a bronchodilator.

Sometimes even found in equine applications, although more as a liquid, ‘clenbuterol’ increases aerobic capacity over quite an extended period of time. Even a small dosage, between 10 – 30 micrograms a day, can have a substantial effect on one’s respiratory abilities. The drug is also claimed to aid in weight loss, by increasing both ones heart and metabolic rates – thus burning more calories even in a resting state.

Although WADA only detected 50 picograms of the banned substance, the Unione Cycliste Internationale has provisionally suspended Alberto Contador until further tests are conducted. The test, which was carried out on July 21^st, 2010 (2^nd rest day of Le Tour De France) has already been run twice, with both A and B urine samples returning a positive reading. The UCI then stated “This case requires further scientific investigation before any conclusion can be drawn. The UCI continues to work with the scientific support of WADA to analyse all the elements that are relevant to the case. This further investigation may take some more time”… So exactly when the final result is reached, is anyone’s best guess.

Alberto Contador remains unwavering on his take of events, claiming that his food was possibly contaminated with the product. A viewpoint he intends officially sharing with the media world this week, in his homeland of Spain. In the meantime, Contador’s personal press officer released a statement, saying “the experts consulted so far have agreed… that this is a case of food contamination” although it was never mentioned who the ‘experts’ were.

Speculation aside, the reality of the matter is that Three Time Tour De France Champion, Alberto Contador may in fact have tested positive for a substance which he administered. However, in all fairness this cannot be proven until further tests are conducted. The fact that the Astana rider passed several doping tests in the days leading up to the 21^st of July, leads many to believe that this may actually be a case of food contamination.

The cycling world will find out in the coming weeks, what the final verdict is. The UCI President, Pat McQuaid also seems to be in the dark

regarding the matter, and was unavailable for comment, as was Bjarne Riis (Contador’s new manager for Saxo Bank 2011)

More information on Clenbuterol can be found HERE courtesy of the University of New South Wales

THIS ARTICLE WAS ALSO PUBLISHED ON CYCLINGTRIBE.COM