The international cycling union UCI asked the Spanish Cycling Federation RFEC yesterday to launch disciplinary proceedings against Tour de France winner Alberto Contador. It is now up to the Spanish federation to determine whether the UCI anti-doping rules were infringed by Contador. This procedure may take up to three months.

Three-times Tour winner Alberto Contador is an honorary citizen of his hometown Pinto. Mayor Juan José Martín said that "Contador is an example of sacrifice, dedication and determination." The council vote was unanimous on this issue.

Although the subscriptions are still open for the Continental ranks, a remarkable newcomer can already be noted for the 2011 season. Team Cyckelcity.se has put in their bid for a UCI Continental license last month and will enable the team to ride more international races.

Leonardo Duque was honored in Paris for his win of the 19th Coupe de France, he succeeds Jimmy Casper. The Columbian showed in 2010 to be the most consistent rider in a cycle of twelve [the Trophée des Grimpeurs was canceled] races. Duque won the GP de Cholet-Pays de Loire and was second behind Florian Vachon in the Tour de Finistère. Vachon is thanks to that win the best young rider in the French series.

The appeal by Valverde to the Swiss high courts, based on 'illegal and predetermined' ruling by CAS in May, has been turned down. The courts judged that the DNA-material was the same as found in an 'Operación Puerto' blood bag as sufficient evidence to uphold the CAS ruling. That seems to close the last remaining Fuentes-case. Valverde will remain suspended from cycling until January 1st 2012.

The choice has been made. The most wanted rider of the peloton and Vélo d'Or winner Fabian Cancellara finds a new roof at the Schleck brothers, although it has been rumoured for some time now that the Swiss rider would make the move to the Luxembourg based team.

The international cycling union UCI has just released the news that only four teams are sure to have a ProTour licence for 2011. Rabobank CyclingTeam, Garmin Cervélo, Omega Pharma - Lotto and Sky Procycling have their papers in order and met the demanded criteria.

Slowly but surely the transfer market is being saturated. Most riders have found 'a roof over their heads', although some decisions still have to be made. Amongst others, Franco Pellizotti's choice hasn't been made yet, probably fed by the possible appeal by the UCI at the CAS tribunal after the equittal by CONI earlier this month. The UCI is about to release the lists of both the ProTour- and ProContinental teams today.

Earlier this week, World Doping Agency WADA recommended night-time testing during the Tour de France 2011. The International Cycling Union UCI is now considering this proposal. A number of cyclists have already reacted in a displeased manner and the question remains if the WADA argument "Seriously consider removing the informal knowledge and comfort that all riders have in knowing that they will not be tested in the middle of the night." is a just one. Ladies-Pro Marijn de Vries wrote a striking column on that subject earlier today. Free translation by DZI/CyclingFever below.

Donckers Koffie - Jelly Belly is the new name for the Qin Cycling Team, which will attack the field with some fresh ambition and espresso, obviously. The new name also gives away the merger with the Jelly Belly presented by Kenda team.

The Spanish based Geox team will be operating on a much wider base in 2011. Apart from from the continuation of Footon-Servetto as Geox, the Diadora-Pasta Zara ladies squad will also operate as Geox starting next season. To top it off, a satellite team of amateurs will be supported.

Robert Hunter, despite an ongoing contract of one year from Garmin, decided to switch to Pegasus. The South African rider thought he was sacrificed too much for Tyler Farrar's chances, and after both Haussler and Hushovd had signed for Garmin, he drew his conclusions. Now joining the team of Robbie McEwen, he expects to ride as many as possible European races, preferably those organized by ASO.

The Vuelta Ciclista a Guatemala is currently being ridden in the central American state. 59 riders started their campaign on the 20th of October and the individual time trial from Salcajá to Mirador de Occidente over 14 kilometers is planned to take place today. "Not very news-worthy so far" we can hear you think.

When Kirstin Armstrong decided to quit racing at the end of 2009, it now seems that cycling still works like a magnet on the American. Only days after giving birth to a newborn son (Lucas William) she hinted at actively competing at the 2012 Olympic Games.