First, the good cycling news of the day: Congratulations to Fabian "Captain Incredible Thighs I Want To Nom" Cancellara on his fourth consecutive World Time Trial Championship, becoming the first man to ever hold the title four times. I can't wait to see you in your rainbow digs for another year, my man.
Now, on to The Controversial Alberto Contador Thing. For those who care but haven't yet heard, yesterday the UCI announced that Alberto Contador, winner of the 2010 Tour de France, tested positive for the drug clenbuterol on the July 24th stage of the race. Clenbuterol is a chemical sometimes used by farmers to stimulate faster muscle growth of animals raised for meat, and in an athlete's body can increase muscle-to-fat ratios, and assist in breathing. The chemical is on a list of those specifically noted as doping drugs and is banned by the UCI. Both the A and B sample tested identically, which means there is no doubt that the drug was in his system.
But here's where it gets hairy.
Contador claims food contamination and contends that the chemical must have been in the meat that he ate the night before and the morning of the date of the alleged doping. Because everything that goes into the riders' bodies is carefully logged, the team knows that this meat for those specific meals was brought with the team to France, from Spain, and was not purchased locally. This, of course, raises suspicions. Further hairiness arises from the fact that none of Alberto's teammates, who also ate the same meat, were tested on those days, so there's no way to prove a month after the race that all of the meat was or wasn't contaminated.
But here's where it gets
really hairy.
The dosage found was so minuscule as to probably not have been able to affect his performance, however, as the World Anti-Doping Agency has stated, there's no telling how much or how little can affect an athlete; every body is different.
I think the biggest hurdle for Contador to maintain his title (and prove his innocence) is that the UCI's rules against doping don't allow for percentages; a rider either has an illegal substance in their body or they don't. Period. So far, the UCI has countered saying that it has always ruled that it doesn't matter if a doping is accidental or intentional, a rider is responsible for any chemical found in their body, no matter how it got there. Any performance enhancing drug can affect the outcome of a race and is not allowed. Period. End of story.
Yikes. It's gonna get ugly, kids. Two reactions I can't wait to see? Floyd Landis (for drama purposes only) and, oh yes, Lance Armstrong.
I'm still not sure how I feel about the entire debacle that caused the 39 second drama this year, but all of Alberto's detractors from that event have already come out in spades to demand that his yellow jersey be stripped and justice prevail. Yeesh. Honestly, I can't think of a single instance where an alleged doper was eventually proved innocent. Not one. But that doesn't mean the guy shouldn't have the opportunity to have his say and try to prove himself innocent. It'll be interesting to see how this one shakes out.
Speaking of doping, I'm off for a shower and to take some anti-flu drugs. I'm the last holdout in my office against the September flu, but it finally got me. Bah.
accomplished
sleepy
gloomy
hopeful
cold![[personal profile]](http://s.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
