The Court of Arbitration for Sport hopes to reach a verdict in the appeal of Alberto Contador's doping acquittal before the 2011 Tour de France starts on July 2.

CAS on Friday registered the International Cycling Union's appeal against the Spanish cycling federation's refusal to sanction Contador for his positive clenbuterol test during the race last July.

CAS says it told all parties it's "ready to establish a procedural calendar allowing for the settlement of the dispute before the end of June."

If the appeal is dismissed, the three-time Tour winner could defend his title.

Team Saxo Bank-SunGard rider Contador says he inadvertently consumed the drug in contaminated beef.

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