- Cycling
Contador says 'dark forces' at work
Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has vowed to appeal against his provisional one-year ban from cycling.
The Spanish Cycling Federation have proposed a one-year ban after he tested positive for the banned steroid clenbuterol in July, before going on to win his third yellow jersey.
A provisional recommendation was made on Wednesday, prompting Contador and his Saxo Bank team to call a press conference where he confirmed the plan to appeal and suggested "dark forces" are at work.
"You have to remember this is just a proposal and I will work as hard as I can to change it," Contador said from a press conference in Mallorca. "But if that does not happen I'll appeal wherever I need to defend my innocence to the last."
Contador has maintained his innocence throughout and feels he is in the middle of a political squabble.
He said: "I am an example for many people. I know what I am exposing myself to and for that reason I have never taken performance enhancing drugs. I can say it openly and clearly and with my head held high, I consider myself an example of cleanliness.
"This has become a legal and political hot potato and I just want to get on with my sport.
"I feel like there are dark forces at work."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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