Contador has right to defend title

The International Cycling Union, or UCI, recently remarked that Alberto Contador has the right to defend his Tour de France title next month.

Cycling’s world governing body challenges decision of the Spanish federation to acquit Contador of doping in the race last year.

From Bloomberg.com:

“The UCI recognizes the legitimacy of the request made by Mr. Contador’s defense team, and has accepted that request in the interests of guaranteeing the rider a fair trial,” the cycling body said in a release. “However, the UCI also perfectly understands why the timetable set by the Court of Arbitration for Sport has caused some disappointment, even incomprehension, among many observers within the cycling community as well as the general public.”
Contador, 28, faces a possible two-year ban and loss of his 2010 Tour de France title if the court finds against him. The UCI’s management committee echoed the view of International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge that Contador be presumed innocent until a verdict is rendered, the UCI added.
Contador was cleared of wrongdoing by the Spanish cycling federation after testing positive for clenbuterol at the 2010 race.

The three-time Tour winner is free to “take part in any competition in so far as he has not been found guilty” by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as per the UCI.