The Danish investment bank, Saxo Bank, has recently communicated that it will continue to be the main sponsor of the cycling team that has its name even after its new rider, the three-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador was suspended for doping.
A provisional suspension was handed over to Contador after a "very small concentration" of the banned substance clenbuterol was found by a World Anti-Doping Agency lab in Germany in a urine sample that was taken on 21 July, during the Tour.
From Guardian.co.uk:
"I am truly happy and grateful to know that Saxo Bank see the value in continuing their support of our team even before the adjudication and their decision to come through only underlines their integrity," said the team director, Bjarne Riis, in a statement. "The big mutual respect between us is a result of the strong and loyal partnership we have developed throughout the last couple of years."Contador, who has signed a two-year contract with Saxo Bank, will lose his Tour de France title if he is convicted of doping. He also risks a two-year suspension.The 27-year-old Spaniard said that the positive test was caused by "food contamination" and denied speculation that he also engaged in blood transfusions during the race."Of course, we hope that Alberto is acquitted and can ride as planned in 2011 but for now, we hold our nerve and await what will happen," said Riis, who owns the team.
Saxo Bank started its partnership with Riis in 2008 as a joint sponsor of the team and became the main sponsor in January 2009.
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