According to a report from the New York Times, urine tests revealed that Alberto Contador, the winner of this year's Tour de France, had eight times the allowable limit of a chemical called clenbuterol in his system. A urine sample taken on July 20th revealed a plasticizer, a substance which is found in intravenous bags used to give endurance-boosting blood transfusions. The day after the urine sample was taken, Contador tested positive for clenbuterol, meaning that he may have very well illegally doped himself up to win his third Tour de France title in July. Last week, the International Cycling Union handed Contador a provisional suspension because of these results. Contador has denied that he intentionally injected himself with the substance illegally. Instead, he has blamed the presence of clenbuterol in his urine on the consumption of contaminated meat. (Sources: New York Times, Associated Press)
Despite the drug drama that now surrounds Alberto Contador, 2010 has been a great year in sports for Spain. In July, the Spanish national soccer won their first ever World Cup title by defeating the Netherlands in Johannesburg, South Africa. Then, last month, Spanish tennis great
Rafael Nadal won his first ever U.S. Open title, making him only the seventh male ever to win a career grand slam. Hollywood Collectibles invites you to celebrate and commemorate these victories with authentic
soccer memorabilia and
tennis memorabilia. Each of these special collectible items comes with a certificate of authenticity and would make a great addition to any collection of signed sports memorabilia. These signed collectibles would also make amazing Christmas gifts!
