Less than a week after saying he failed a doping control test because he ate tainted beef, Alberto Contador needs to come up with another alibi to explain plasticizers in another sample.
A sample taken July 20 (the day before the Chenbuteral test) showed elevated levels of plasticizers in his urine, indicating the use of a plastic IV bag, according to reporting by Juliet Macur of the New York Times.
The test for plasticizers has been around for a year but is not validated to bring sanctions against an athlete by itself. However, the test might be used to bolster other tests that have been administered.
Contador explained last week that a low level of Chenbuterol found in a sample on July 21 during a rest day at the 2010 Tour de France probably came from meat he had eaten. Chenbuterol has been used as a feed supplement in cattle, as well as an illegal anabolic agent for athletes.
No official confirmation
The three-time Tour de France winner's press spokesman stated that Contador has done nothing wrong, and there has been no official confirmation about the plasticizers.
The New York Times did not reveal the source of its information, saying the person “wanted to remain anonymous because of an agreement to keep the information confidential while Contador’s investigation is continuing.”
Macur wrote that use of a test to detect plasticizers could make it possible to determine if athletes have had a transfusion using their own blood.
The UCI has “formally and provisionally” suspended Contador while it investigates the Chenbuterol findings. That failed sample was taken on the rest day before Stage 17 when Contador fought off a number of attacks on the Col du Tourmalet from Andy Schleck.
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