MADRID, Spain - Alberto Contador says escaping a doping ban is "an important step" in clearing his name but the Tour de France champion believes "irreparable" damage has already been done to his image.
Earlier Tuesday, the Spanish cycling federation cleared the Spanish cyclist of doping after he tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol at last year's Tour. The federation's disciplinary committee accepted Contador's defence he unintentionally ate contaminated meat.
Contador says the process has been "incredible -- you'd have to have lived these past months to know how it feels."
Contador showed restrained joy during the interview on Veo7 as he waits to see if the International Cycling Union or World Anti-Doping Agency appeal the decision.
