Alberto Contador hugely impressed with current level of talent: 'Cycling is living one of its best moments'
The Spaniard has singled out Tadej Pogačar for praise in what he claims is a 'golden generation'

Alberto Contador has claimed that the current peloton is one of the strongest cycling has ever seen, describing it as a "golden generation."
One of only two riders to have won all three Grand Tours more than once, Contador enjoyed a staggering amount of success during his 15-year career. Therefore, the Spaniard, who now works with Eurosport TV and with his team Eolo Kometa, possesses the perfect credentials to pass judgement on what he believes is an exciting time for the sport.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Ultima Hora, Contador said: “Cycling is living one of its best moments. We are before a golden generation. In whatever race or stage, we’re seeing ambition, with the big names fighting for victory. This is helping cycling have more impact and fans.”
Contador continues, claiming that Tadej Pogačar is the standout star among the current riders. Pogačar has already equalled the same amount of Tour de France wins that Contador managed in his career, with two wins at just 23 years old.
However, the Spaniard also recognises that the strength of competition means Pogačar will find it difficult to maintain such incredibly high standards, despite having plenty of room for improvement
He said: “Pogačar dominates the Tour and he’s the man to beat, especially after what he did last year. But every edition is different and there’s competition. Roglič had problems, so we’ll see how he is in 2022.
"But I see a very strong Pogačar, with room to improve, and becoming more confident by his results, and he shows a spectacular level when he tries to win."
Women's cycling is also something that the seven-time Grand Tour winner focuses on, suggesting that seeing riders such as three-time Spanish national road race champion Mavi García is only a positive thing for the sport.
Contador said: "Women's cycling is booming at the level of competition and media coverage. In Spain we have the case of Mavi García. She reflects that step forwards has been taken in Spain, and worldwide. The great professional teams have a female structure and there are more and better races shows the way and will surely motivate the younger riders."
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Ryan is a staff writer for Cycling Weekly, having joined the team in September 2021. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before making his way to cycling. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer.
-
-
Cannonade’s Compact Neo e-bike: lots of style, moderate functionality, hard-to-beat price
We review Cannondale's smallest and lightest e-bike yet.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Here's why we think Primož Roglič used a gravel groupset on Giro d'Italia's Queen stage
Primož Roglič used a gravel groupset on Giro d'Italia's Queen stage. Here's why.
By Joe Baker • Published
-
Tweets of the week: AI Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogačar on draught, and Alison Jackson is back
Also, who subscribes to Twitter Blue? And Trek-Segafredo digitally age their ridersx
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar luxury watch thieves to serve time after Paris-Nice robbery
The Tour of Flanders champion is the latest cycling star to be robbed of a luxury watch
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar claims Kwaremont-Paterberg Strava KOM in Tour of Flanders romp
The two-time Tour de France winner took a host of Strava trophies in Flanders on Sunday
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Tweets of the week: When cycling goes mainstream, George Bennett loses his bike, and the sandy Saudi Tour
Two unknown cyclists went viral last weekend, it's a shame that we will never know their identities. All that, and more
By Adam Becket • Published
-
A deep dive into Tadej Pogačar's iconic helmet hair tufts
The Slovenian two time Tour de France champion harnesses his hair to great effect, but what's the secret?
By Adam Becket • Published
-
CW Live: Julian Alaphilippe to begin season with Faun-Ardèche Classic; Caleb Ewan confirmed for Milan-San Remo; autopsy confirms impact with truck killed Davide Rebellin; Remco Evenepoel to start 2023 at Vuelta a San Juan and UAE Tour dates confirmed
All the need to know news in cycling on 21 December
By Tom Thewlis • Last updated
-
Beating Argentina like outsprinting Van Aert and van der Poel says World Cup coach
‘We were with Van der Poel, Van Aert and Pogačar and we still crossed the line before them’ says Saudi Arabia coach Hervé Renard
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Why does no one want to buy Tadej Pogačar's diamond-encrusted NFT shoe?
The online charity auction is yet to attract a bid
By Tom Davidson • Last updated