Alberto Contador set to miss Olympic Games after Tour de France withdrawal
The Spaniard says it is is unlikely he'll have gained condition in time to be competitive in the Olympic road race in Rio


Alberto Contador (Tinkoff) has said that he's unlikely to be ready to contest the Olympic Games road race in Rio on August 7 after suffering illness and injury at the Tour de France.
The two-time winner of the Tour was forced to withdraw on stage nine of the race having suffered two falls in the opening two days and then succumbed to illness.
“Regarding the Olympics, it is practically impossible because the question is not whether I have recovered but if I can participate in top condition,” Contador said according to AFP.
“At first glance it looks like that will not be possible.”
At 33, the Rio Games would have likely been the Spaniard's last chance at an Olympic medal, having only competed at one edition of the Olympics in Beijing in 2008 in the road race, and taking fourth place in the individual time trial.
A seven-time Grand Tour winner, Contador is likely to focus on a comeback at the Vuelta a España in late August, with the aim of taking a fourth title in his home race.
After pushing the idea of retirement in late 2015 after this season, Contador looks certain to ride on, with a confirmed deal with Trek-Segafredo imminent.
Thank you for reading 5 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
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
Best bicycle insurance, including what you need to know and how to compare
Wondering how to protect your pride and joy? Our helpful guide tells you all you need to know about bicycle insurance
By Hannah Bussey • Published
-
Five talking points from stage eleven of the Giro d’Italia 2022
The Cycling Weekly highlights package from the stage which finally saw an Italian win at the home race this year
By Luke Friend • Published
-
Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel weigh in on 2009 feud with Alberto Contador
Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel have both weighed in on the 2009 feud between Armstrong and his team-mate Alberto Contador.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Alberto Contador says he can't see Julian Alaphilippe winning the Tour de France
The two-time Tour champion maintains that Egan Bernal will win the French Grand Tour
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Alberto Contador says Egan Bernal is ‘clear favourite’ for the Tour de France
The multiple Grand Tour winner says the 2019 Tour will be the most open edition in years
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Andy Schleck: ‘Alberto Contador did something he shouldn’t have done, even if he denies it’
The Luxembourger also described winning a Tour de France title on paper rather than on the bike as 'bull***t'
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Retired Alberto Contador missing competition, but relieved to no longer be 'slave to dieting'
The Spaniard says Sky's Chris Froome and Egan Bernal can both win Grand Tours in 2019
By Gregor Brown • Published
-
Banning power meters would make racing a better spectacle, says Alberto Contador
The retired racer says riders should use power meters in training but not have that data for racing
By Gregor Brown • Published
-
Alberto Contador took the KOM on the last climb of stage 17, and only three Tour de France riders went faster on Strava
Alberto Contador took the chance to test himself against the current pros on the Col de Portet, setting a time on Strava that only three were able to beat.
By Henry Robertshaw • Published
-
Alberto Contador: 'It's a pity the Froome case is taking so long'
The Spaniard says Chris Froome is favourite for the Giro d'Italia along with Tom Dumoulin
By Gregor Brown • Published