Tour de France champion Alberto Contador was presented with a trophy on Monday by the Union Cycliste Internationale for being the year's best rider.
UCI president Pat McQuaid presented the Spaniard with the award for topping the organisation's 2009 World Calendar rankings.
The ranking is compiled using a points system, with points awarded for one-day race, tour stage and stage race overall finishing positions for events in the UCI's World Calendar.
Contador's stage wins at Paris-Nice plus stage wins and the overall at the Tour de France put him at the top of the table.
Contador will again ride for the Astana squad in 2010 and is set to concentrate on winning the Tour de France for a third time in July.
Contador's tally of ranking points also helped Spain top the table of rankings organised by country. McQuaid presented Spanish Cycling Federation boss Juan Carlos Castaño Moreta with its trophy for being best country.
Alberto Contador with his UCI award for being the best rider of 2009
Related links
Alberto Contador: Rider Profile
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