Hamilton hearing date set

Tyler Hamilton will get the chance to defend himself against accusations of blood doping arising from his positive test at the 2004 Vuelta a Espana some time at end of this month or beginning of March. According to the website of the Tyler Hamilton Foundation, the hearing before the US Cycling Federation is scheduled between February 28 and March 3.

On his own website, Hamilton writes, "The panel has been selected and we are working toward solidifying a date to present my case. Originally we thought it might be in mid-February, but it is looking more and more like it will take place in early March. That would mean a verdict would be delivered by mid-March."

Hamilton returned a positive test for homologous blood transfusion at the 2004 Vuelta a Espana. He was subsequently suspnded by his Phonak team. Another Phonak rider, Santiago Perez, also returned a blood doping positive in 2004 though his case is not expected he be heard by the Spanish cycling federation until May or June of this year.