Alberto Contador close to signing up with new team for 2017
Alberto Contador confirms that he has shelved plans to retire at the end of 2016, and that he is on the verge of signing with a new squad for 2017 - Photos by Daniel Gould
Alberto Contador has said he is close to signing a contract with a new team for the 2017 season.
Speaking from a Critérium du Dauphiné pre-race press conference today, the champion Spaniard categorically shelved retirement plans and said he would compete next year.
>>> Alberto Contador: ‘This time last year I was destroyed’
The 33-year-old has been presented with numerous offers and is believed to be negotiating a two-year deal that won’t be announced until the official August transfer window opens. His current Tinkoff team is set to fold at the end of this season through want of a sponsor.
“I feel good. I felt that if I’d lost even one per cent of my physical ability then my decision would have been different,” he said.
“I’ll give it 100 per cent. I’ll be doing the same things that I’ve always done, doing the same work, making the same sacrifices that I have always done ever since my first year as a professional.”
Contador last year voiced plans to retire at the end of this season but partially reneged on that in April after he won the Vuelta al Pais Vasco.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
He will lead Tinkoff at the Critérium du Dauphiné, which starts tomorrow with a steep four-kilometre prologue time trial in Les Gets.
Thank you for reading 20 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
Sophie Smith is an Australian journalist, broadcaster and author of Pain & Privilege: Inside Le Tour. She follows the WorldTour circuit, working for British, Australian and US press, and has covered 10 Tours de France.
-
8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
A kevlar wheel, an unusual aero bike, solid helmet straps, a bike made from recycled plastic bike, and more - 8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
By Daniel Palma Published
-
Cycling training plans: 10 week plans for beginners, intermediates and racers
Get into cycling, get fitter, or ride faster with our cycling training plans
By Anna Marie Abram Published
-
Chords to cols: How Jonas Vingegaard went from guitars to Grand Tours
If he'd followed a music teacher's advice the 2022 Tour de France winner might have ended up starring on a different type of stage
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Roll on the Tour de France: Jonas Vingegaard ready after dominant Critérium du Dauphiné win
Tadej Pogačar is seemingly the only man in the world in between the Dane and a second Tour title
By Adam Becket Published
-
From doubts to a first pro win: Mikkel Bjerg takes stage four and yellow jersey at Critérium du Dauphiné
Jonas Vingegaard most impressive of general classification contenders on hot day in the Loire
By Adam Becket Published
-
Christophe Laporte doubles up at Critérium du Dauphiné with 'unexpected' stage three win
Frenchman proves his form and outfoxes Sam Bennett and Dylan Groenewegen to take second stage victory in three days
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘I surprised myself’ - Julian Alaphilippe back to winning ways on stage two of Critérium du Dauphiné
Former world champion rediscovers form ahead of the Tour de France
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard to David Gaudu: Eight riders to watch at the Critérium du Dauphiné 2023
Stacked GC field also includes Adam Yates, Richard Carapaz, Mikel Landa and Jai Hindley
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The dog days aren't over at the Tour de France 2022: Canine chaos AND cuteness
‘Suddenly that beast crossed the street and I couldn’t go anywhere’ - stray dog causes Yves Lampaert to crash on stage 12
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
After 'fighting with the best guys', Ben O'Connor is proud of his Critérium du Dauphiné podium
Australian heads into Tour de France with best WorldTour stage result in his pocket
By Adam Becket Last updated