A test new to the antidoping movement was used for the first time at the Tour de France last summer, and now it appears that the three-time Tour winner Alberto Contador — who tested positive for a banned drug at the race — may have more explaining to do, according to “New York Times”. That new test detects a specific type of chemical, called a plasticizer, that is found in plastic IV bags. Evidence of that chemical in an athlete’s urine could mean the athlete has used a blood transfusion to boost endurance. The World Anti-Doping Agency bans blood transfusions or any intravenous infusions, except in a medical emergency. A test performed on at least one of Contador’s urine samples from the Tour revealed levels of that chemical eight times higher than the minimum amount that signifies doping, according to a person with knowledge of the test results. The International Cycling Union drug-testing chaperones took the urine sample from Contador on July 20, the eve of the Tour’s final rest day, said the person, who wanted to remain anonymous because of an agreement to keep the information confidential while Contador’s investigation is continuing.
The next day, as Contador announced last week, he tested positive for clenbuterol, a weight-loss and muscle-building drug. He claimed that failed test came from his consumption of tainted beef from Spain. Contador has denied ever doping and said he knew nothing of the latest incriminating test. The cycling union has spent more than two months investigating Contador’s case, and it is receiving scientific help from the World Anti-Doping Agency as it determines how to proceed.
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