Cycling-CAS to hear Contador doping case before Tour de France

Alberto Contador's doping case, in which he faces an appeal against the Spanish cycling federation's decision to clear him of taking banned anabolic agent clenbuterol, will be heard before the Tour de France, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Friday.

Lausanne-based CAS said on its website that the hearing would take place from June 6-8.

Triple Tour champion Contador tested positive during last year's race but was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Spanish federation (RFEC), only for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Cycling Union (UCI) to appeal before CAS.

Contador, currently leading the Giro D'Italia, has said his positive test came after he ate contaminated meat.

The SaxoBank-Sungard rider is hoping he will be able to participate in the Tour de France starting on July 2. If found guilty, Contador will lose his 2010 Tour title and will face a possible two-year ban from the sport.