15 Oct 2010

Howman dismisses Contador claim

6:32 am on 15 October 2010

The World Anti-Doping Agency director general David Howman has dismissed cyclist Alberto Contador's claims that his positive test for Clenbuterol at this year's Tour de France was caused by contaminated meat bought in Spain.

Speaking to journalists during a meeting at the WADA headquarters in Montreal, Howman pointed out that the contaminated meat excuse has been used in the past but rejected during anti-doping hearings.

Howman, a New Zealander, says the issue is - can you prove it?

WADA is reportedly monitoring the Contador case very closely and is ready to step in if a disciplinary hearing is not arranged swiftly by the UCI and the Spanish Cycling Federation.

A tribunal will make a decision on the matter when a hearing date is set.