• Contador failed doping test on the way to third Tour title • Spanish cyclist blamed positive result on contaminated meat

This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

The head of the Spanish cycling federation says a decision in Alberto Contador's doping case from the Tour de France should be reached by the end of next week.

Contador failed a doping test on the way to his third Tour title, with the Spanish cyclist blaming the positive clenbuterol result on contaminated meat.

Juan Carlos Castano says the body's disciplinary committee is expected to receive the International Cycling Union's verdict on the case by Monday. Then it would need several days to finalise its decision on whether to impose a two-year ban on Contador and revoke his Tour title.

But Contador or the UCI then have the right to present further arguments, which could postpone the final decision until mid-February.

Contador, though, remains fully motivated for the season ahead according to the Saxo Bank team manager, Bjarne Riis.

"He [Contador] is scared but he is still extremely motivated by his job," Riis said. "During the pre-season camp, he was already way ahead of his team-mates in the climbs. I know his lawyers built him the best possible defence."