January 25, 2007 – Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d’Epargne), the runner-up in the 2006 TdF, has been cleared of doping charges by the French anti-doping agency (AFLD), according to AP. The 29-year-old Spanish cyclist twice tested positive for the asthma medication, salbutamol, during the 2006 TdF.

While Pereiro had a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for salbutamol from the UCI, the AFLD insisted that he provide a full medical explanation for his use of this medication. The AFLD is concerned that the TUE forms could be used to hide cases of doping and sent three registered letters to Pereiro asking for an explanation of his use of this drug. Until recently, Pereiro had not responded to the AFLD.

Pierre Bordy, president of the AFLD, indicated Thursday, that his agency has now received a satisfactory explanation from Pereiro.

Because the 2006 TdF winner, Floyd Landis (formerly with Phonak) tested positive for elevated ratios of testosterone to epitestosterone, he might be stripped of his title. In this event, Pereiro, who finished second, would presumably be declared the 2006 winner.