Earlier this afternoon Giro d'Italia race organizer RCS Sport issued a statement in which it clearly criticizes the long time period of 566 days, which it has taken the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to reach its verdict in the doping case against professional cyclist Alberto Contador.

"We feel it is important to highlight how the time taken to reach a final verdict has affected events like the Giro d'Italia, held so long after the start of the case," RCS Sport writes in its statement, hinting at the fact that CAS' reluctance towards reaching a final verdict in the case has allowed Alberto Contador to participate in the 2011 Giro d'Italia - and win it. This victory is now being stripped from Contador as a result of the verdict and a new Giro winner must be appointed (Team Lampre's Michele Scarponi).

RCS Sport further encourages CAS to speed up its case review process, allowing for the court to reach verdicts at a faster pace.

"We hope that in future, the judicial process will ensure that the Giro d'Italia never has to face a similar situation out of respect for its fans and the riders who compete in its races."

RCS Sport is acknowledging and recognizing the decision reached by CAS in the Alberto Contador doping case and does not intend to contest it.