Cyclist Contador announces retirement after upcoming race

Madrid Aug 7 (IANS) Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador on Monday announced that he will retire after this year s Vuelta a España.

The 34-year-old Madrid-born attack and climb specialist released a video on his social media to tell fans he was looking forward to making his last professional outing in his home country reports Efe.

"Hello everyone I m doing this video to let you know two things the first is that I m going to participate in the Vuelta a España from August 19 and the second thing is that it will be my last race as a professional cyclist " Contador said in his video adding that he was very happy with the decision.

The three-time Grand Tour winner said he was happy with his decision and was excited to see the fans lining the roads during the Vuelta.

Contador is one of the world s most accomplished cyclists and has won all three major European tours the Tour de France (2007 2009) the Giro d Italia (2008 2015) and the Vuelta a España (2008 2012 2014).

He also won the 2010 Tour de France but was later stripped of his title after doping tests came back positive for Clenbuterol a pharmacological substance that makes breathing easier and is normally used to treat asthma.

Contador also holds a record four Vélo d Or titles.

--IANS
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