The Spaniard was given a back-dated suspension in February after he failed a doping test at the 2010 Tour de France, meaning he was stripped of his victories in that event at the 2011 Giro d'Italia.

Contador has consistently maintained his innocence and although he will not appeal the decision on a sporting level, he may choose to fight the decision in other avenues.

"His lawyers are studying other channels such as the possibility of taking it to Tribunal in Strasbourg (the European Court of Human Rights)," Contador's spokesman said.

Contador believes the decision passed by the CAS, which is sport's highest court, would have a minimal chance of being overturned on appeal.

Waste of time

"Last Friday, I spoke to my lawyers and they told me they didn't see it as an option to appeal to the Swiss Federal Court because it could be a waste of time and it wouldn't have a future," Contador told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"With such little chance of success we have decided not to appeal, because in the best case scenarios, they would return the case to CAS and to the same judges."

Contador remains in training and says he hopes to compete in this year's Vuelta a Espana and Road World Championships after his ban expires on August 5 this year.

As he is suspended the 29-year-old is currently not employed by any team, but has previously stated that he would give Saxo Bank, who he joined in 2011, the first option on his services when he returns.

It was announced on Monday that Saxo Bank would be able to retain their WorldTour status despite the annulment of Contador's 2011 results meaning they would not have qualified this year.

That decision paves the way for them to keep competing in the most prestigious races on the calendar such as the Vuelta, which is now Contador's main goal.