CYCLING NEWS:TOUR DE France champion Alberto Contador confirmed last night that the Spanish cycling federation (RFEC) had proposed banning him for one year following his failed doping test during the 2010 race.

A spokesman for the three-time Tour de France winner confirmed the news in a statement, which also announced plans for a press conference tomorrow to outline Contador’s response to the matter.

The Madrid-born rider has 10 days to appeal the ruling.

The spokesman’s statement said: “Alberto Contador has received today a notification of a one-year ban proposal by the competition committee of the Spanish federation and therefore, together with [Saxo Bank team manager] Bjarne Riis, a press conference will be held on Friday, January 28th, at 1600 hours, at the Hotel Son Net in Palma de Mallorca, to express their opinion about this case.”

The 28-year-old Contador tested positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol on day two, July 21st, of last year’s Tour, but has maintained his innocence, claiming the substance was in some contaminated meat.

As a result, he was provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI), who commissioned the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) to open disciplinary proceedings against him.

Should any appeal succeed, the UCI or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) retain the right to challenge the decision.

Contador admitted last year that a two-year ban would force him to walk away from the sport, saying:

“It’s too early to say at this moment . . . but I couldn’t assure you that I would continue if there is a two-year ban.”

Contador won last year’s Tour as an Astana rider, beating Andy Schleck by 39 seconds, but has since agreed a move to Team Saxo Bank.

Contador, the yellow jersey winner in 2007 and then in 2009, could be stripped of the 2010 Tour title.

Last week, Floyd Landis the 2006 winner, who lost the title after testing positive for a banned substance, announced his retirement.