Sports in brief

Times wires
Thursday, January 27, 2011

cycling

Contador camp: Spain accepts drug explanation

MADRID — Spanish federation authorities have accepted Alberto Contador's defense that his positive Tour de France doping test resulted from eating contaminated meat, Contador's spokesman said Thursday.

The federation has proposed a one-year ban for Contador, rather than the standard two-year penalty, after his positive clenbuterol test at last year's Tour.

Spokesman Jacinto Vidarte said the federation accepted Contador's contention that the result was due to "unintentional ingestion" of the banned substance.

If the ban is adopted, Contador would be stripped of the Tour title and miss this year's race.

"I'm motivated and focused on my work," Contador said from the Saxo Bank team training camp in Palma de Mallorca. "That's what brings you rewards in the future."

Contador has until Feb. 9 to present more evidence before the federation's disciplinary committee renders a final verdict. That decision can be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the International Cycling Union or the World Anti-Doping Agency. Contador has vowed to appeal a ban.

figure skating

Ellenton pair 2nd in short program

Pairs team Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig, 2010 Olympians who train at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex in Manatee County, were in second place after the short program at the U.S. championships in Greensboro, N.C., 1.43 points behind leaders Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin (64.30 points).

In fourth were defending champions Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett, 2010 Olympians who used to train at Ellenton but changed coaches to improve their artistic side and are now based in Coral Springs. Denney fell on their side-by-side triple toe loops.

The free skate is Saturday.

In the women's short program, 2008 winner Mirai Nagasu took a narrow lead over 2009 champ Alissa Czisny. Defending champion Rachael Flatt was third. The free skate also is Saturday.

et cetera

Tennis: Women's pioneer Fern Lee "Peachy" Kellmeyer, who lives in St. Petersburg, was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the contributor category. Kellmeyer, 66, joins Andre Agassi in the 2011 class. She was the first director of the WTA in 1973 and now is a consultant for the women's tour. Hall induction is July 9.

Times wires

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/sports-in-brief/1148117

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