Contador back in saddle after name is cleared

THREE-TIME Tour de France champion Alberto Contador is looking forward to being able to race again after being cleared of doping – but believes he will be “scarred for life” by the whole affair.

Contador was cleared by the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) on Tuesday after testing positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol at last year’s Tour de France.

Amazingly, Contador returned to racing yesterday to defend his title at the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal and is looking forward to resuming his career.

“It’s important (to race again), not only for me, but for my team and all the people who have supported me,” he said.

“I’ve been through some months that I wouldn’t wish on anybody. You’d have to go through it yourself to really know how it feels, but in the end, justice and professionalism has prevailed.

“What’s hurt me most has been the serious attack on my honour. Terrible things have been said about me and have done me irreparable damage. I now have another scar, which is inside and which will accompany me throughout my life.

“It’s been six months of sleepless nights, of pulling my hair out, I’ve cried with my closest friends, in the face of such a great injustice.

“I couldn’t accept any type of sanction because I’m not guilty, I’ve not done anything illegal and the person I am and my honour would not allow me to accept any type of punishment, even at the risk of a bigger punishment,” added Contador.

Contador knows the ruling by the RFEC may not be the end of the matter, though, with the International Cycling Union (UCI) and World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) having the right to challenge the decision with The Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The UCI will issue its decision within 30 days of receiving the documentation from the RFEC, while WADA then have an additional 21 days to decide if they want to take matters further.

Meanwhile, seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has formally announced his retirement from professional cycling — and this time it’s for good.

Although he had been expected to compete in the Amgen Tour of California, Armstrong has confirmed his retirement with immediate effect.

The 39-year-old Texan returned to competitive action in 2009 following a three-year break — partly in a bid to resurrect his career, and partly to raise awareness for his Livestrong foundation.

“I can’t say I have any regrets,” said the Texan. “It’s been an excellent ride. I really thought I was going to win another Tour.”

Armstrong became one of the most controversial figures the sport has ever known and is currently at the centre of a federal investigation in the US with regard to performance-enhancing drugs as well as advocating their use to team-mates; though he vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

He posted on his twitter page last night: “Thanks for all the messages on retirement 2.0. And thanks for all the support the past 2.5 yrs. Onward!”