Alberto Contador to ride the Eneco Tour 2012

Alberto Contador of Team Saxo Bank will mark his return to professional cycling in August 2012. Team Saxo Bank has revealed that the cyclist will be seen in action at the 2012 version of the Eneco Tour.

Team’s Sporting Director, Tristan Hoffman cited, “I think the team is interested in the fact that he [Contador] can compete immediately in a stage race and use it as a springboard to San Sebastian and the Vuelta”.

He further added, “With a team time trial and the individual stages the organization of this year’s Eneco Tour will suit his plans well”.

Contador was accused of using clenbuterol during the Tour de France 2010 and was given a two-year ban in February 2010.

He is considered as one the best stage race cyclists and has bagged a number of victories during his extensive career.

He was initially banned by the Spanish Cycling Federation but was later allowed to continue his professional endeavours.

Both UCI and WADA appealed against the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the final decision on the case was made in 2012.

Jury was convinced that Alberto used unfair means to enhance his performance during the French Grand Tour and banned him for a period of two years. Judges also disqualified the 29-year-old from all the victories since the Tour de France 2010.

The ban prevents Contador from riding in the major cycling events of the current season, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the 2012 Olympic Games.

The only Grand Tour he is allowed to ride in the current season is the Vuelta a Espana 2012. Alberto is keen to make up for the lost time in front of the home crowd.

He will join the peloton at the Eneco Tour, scheduled from August 6-12. The winner of the race will be awarded with a 100 UCI points.

The race was started back in 2005, with Bob Julich as the first winner of the race. Iván Gutierrez and Edvald Boasson Hagen hold the honour of winning it for a maximum number of 2 times.

It will be interesting to see if Contador can start the new season on a high note with a victory at the Eneco Tour 2012.

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Posted by Ahmed Babar on Apr 15 2012. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.