22 Nov 2011

CAS begins hearing over Contador doping case

6:44 am on 22 November 2011

Sport's highest tribunal has begun a long-delayed, four-day hearing which could result in three-times Tour de France champion Alberto Contador being stripped of his 2010 title for doping.

Contador tested positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol during the 2010 Tour and the Spanish cycling federation later accepted his explanation that he had eaten contaminated meat.

The International Cycling Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, saying the rider should be banned.

Contador did not comment as he arrived for the hearing and a decision is not due to be announced until early next year.