VALLNORD, Andorra (AP) — Alberto Contador won the third stage of the Volta of Catalunya on Wednesday, taking the race’s overall lead a day before cycling’s governing body decides whether to challenge the decision to clear him of doping.
The three-time Tour de France winner set the pace in covering the 114-mile mountain stage from La Vall de’n Bas in Spain to Vallnord in 4 hours, 45 minutes, 31 seconds Wednesday.
Contador tested positive for clenbuterol at last year’s Tour but was cleared of wrongdoing by the Spanish cycling federation.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) says it will decide by Thursday whether to appeal.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has three more weeks before it has to decide on an appeal.