Antón and Zubeldia support Contador

UCI appealing Contador's exoneration to the CAS was a relief to many, if not most, cycling fans. Not so much for Igor Antón and Haimar Zubeldia though. Speaking to el Diario Vasco ahead of the fifth stage of the Volta, the featherweight Euskaltel climber said: "It's a shame that this case isn't closed. This process is taking too long, but I hope that it ends happily for Contador". Former team captain Haimar Zubeldia, now with the Shack, elaborated on the case. "A decision has to be reached as soon as possible", he said, stating the obvious. "I had a small hope the UCI weren't going to appeal due to the fact that it took so long for them to do so, but this is damaging. But I'm still optimistic. The Spanish Federation cleared him and he's feeling confident. His team (of lawyers) is well prepared, and I think the final resolution will favour him".