The head of cycling international governing body says the UCI has been left with no choice but to appeal the decision by the Spanish cycling federation to clear Alberto Contador of knowingly using a banned substance.
The International Cycling Union chief Pat McQuaid believes the case has suffered from political interference in Spain, where three-time Tour de France champion Contador received support from those high in the government.
He says the only way to ensure a credible and just result is to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Contador's future has hung in the balance since he tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol at the 2010 Tour de France.
Spanish cycling authorities cleared him to compete after he blamed the tiny amounts of clenbuterol found in his urine on a contaminated steak,
Contador, has vowed to quit cycling if he's given a two-year ban.
