Antoine Vayer's brutal criticism of Spanish cycling: "Contador's case is a Berlanga movie, he said he tested positive for a steak and the politicians defended him"

One of the most prominent critics of Spanish cycling is Antoine Vayer, former coach and trainer of the Festina team two decades ago, when doping and scandals were the order of the day.

Vayer, looking back on those tumultuous times, said in a statement reported by Triathlon Diary: "I haven't met many 100% clean racers from those times. Possibly the only one was Christophe Bassons". For Antoine Vayer, the fight against doping in cycling has not progressed enough over the years. He says: "Things haven't changed. Cycling has become a permanent deception. Without the typical lies they demand you don't go anywhere. If you don't jump through the hoops, you're out.

Vayer also highlights the cultural differences in the perception of doping in sport. He mentions: "I believe in clean sport and consider it just that, simply a game, sport. In other countries the culture differs radically. For Russians, doping products are like vitamins".

Criticism of Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde.

The French coach does not spare criticism to some of the most prominent figures of Spanish cycling as Alejandro Valverde or Alberto Contador and the Spanish system: "In Spain there is too much permissiveness and corruption. In the 90s there was doping and now there is doping. Some suspended for doping as Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde never recognized it but what is incredible is that they came back from their sanctions much stronger".

About Alberto Contador, he comments: "Alberto Contador reminds me of a Berlanga movie. He says he tested positive for a contaminated steak and the Spanish Cycling Federation and politicians defend him. This seems like a joke to me".