MADRID, Feb 12, 2011 – Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez
Zapatero has spoken up in defense of Tour de France champion Alberto Contador,
who is facing a one-year ban for doping offenses.

“Zapatero says ‘there is no legal reason to sanction Contador,’” his office
said in a statement released on Twitter, @desdelamoncloa.

The future of the three-time Tour de France winner has hung in the balance
since he announced last August he had tested positive for traces of the banned
substance clenbuterol during last July’s race.

Despite repeatedly denying taking any banned substances, blaming the result
on food contamination, it increasingly looks like stage racing’s biggest
talent will be banned.

The Spanish cycling federation (RFEC) made a proposal last month to ban
Contador for a year.