Contador considers dropping 'pistolero' celebration in wake of Paris terror attacks

(Image credit: Watson)

published 23 November 2015

Multiple Grand Tour champion Alberto Contador has revealed that he may stop performing his signature 'pistolero' winning celebration in the wake of the Paris attacks earlier this month.

The Spanish rider, who will line up as one of the favourites in what he has said will be his last Tour de France, is concerned that the mock-gun salute could upset fans.

"The significance of the celebration is not about shooting or violence," he told The Huffington Post UK (opens in new tab).

"It's just for the people to show victory, but if some people could be offended by it then I have no problem not doing it," he said.

This is, of course, if he gets the opportunity to perform any celebration at all.

Chris Froome, Nairo Quintana and Fabio Aru are all also planning to ride the 2016 Tour meaning Contador will have a very elite field to overcome should he win his third Grand Boucle.

With all four riders looking to peak for the race it could be one of the best editions in recent years.

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Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing as well as cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing and write longer features for print and online. He is not responsible for misspelled titles on box outs