Cycling news? Does it involve doping?

What a silly question. Of course it involves doping.

ROME - Tour de France champion Alberto Contador could be barred from defending his title and Alejandro Valverde might also be banned from the year’s top cycling races if the Italian Olympic Committee has its way.

The Italians have some extra leverage because next year's Tour de France will include a small stretch of Italian roads. And Italy's hosting the 2008 World Championships.

I'm not gonna pretend to understand the political machinations of rival athletic governing entities, but here's the lowdown: Spain and Italy are PISSED at one another.

I know, I know. They're usually so reserved and circumspect.

The guy I'm rooting for in next year's Tour remains the same.