Contador signs for Saxo Bank

Alberto Contador
12 April 2012

Tour de France winner Alberto Contador has signed a two-year deal to race with Team Saxo Bank from next season.

The 27-year-old won his third Tour title last month but announced last week that he would leave the Astana team at the end of the 2010 season after rejecting their offer of a new contract.

The Spaniard enjoyed a gruelling battle with Saxo Bank rider Andy Schleck on his way to his win in Paris, including his controversial attack when Schleck suffered a mechanical problem on stage 15. And Contador will now effectively replace the Luxembourg rider, who is to leave the team at the end of 2010.

In a statement on the team website, team owner Bjarne Riis said: "Alberto is a world-class rider and it's with great pride that I can welcome him on board the team for the next two years.

"With three Tour de France victories on his resume and a position as number one on the world rankings, he is sure to stay at the very top for several years to come.

"Alberto will get a solid, strong and loyal team around him to support him in all terrains and I'm sure that this will be a fruitful alliance."

Contador, who also has Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a Espana, Paris-Nice, Pais-Vasco and Tour of Algarve victories to his name, added: "I'm very happy and excited about signing a two-year contract with Riis Cycling.

"With the unique philosophy and team spirit the team offers I'm ensured solid support from the sponsors, administration and staff of riders that I'm looking forward to becoming a part of myself.

"Historically, Riis Cycling has always been successful and together, we will have the ability to play a very important role in the world of cycling in the years to come."

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