Contador avoids ban

Alberto Contador was cleared of doping Tuesday after Spanish cycling authorities reversed their proposal to ban him for one year. The federation ruled he was not at fault for a positive test at the Tour de France that Contador blamed on contaminated meat. Contador will keep his third Tour title and can ride in this year’s race, but the International Cycling Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency can appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Contador tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol during last year’s Tour. “Today is a day of justice, with mixed feelings between joy and sadness for all the damage in recent months. Leaves a mark!” Contador wrote on Twitter.

– Associated Press