Just a few days after Alberto Contador was able to race as a professional cyclist for the last time, the Trek-Segafredo rider admitted to not regret this farewell at all.
The three-time champion of the Vuelta a Espana and the two-time winner of Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, seems to be ready to enjoy his retirement years to the fullest while regretting nothing.
“As a cyclist, you are constantly busy with the smallest things, even when you are off the bike,” Contador said to the Italian Gazzetta dello Sport. “After a four-hour training session, you have to rest and take care of your diet. These are the things that allow you to win big races.
“Mentally, that’s a hard-to-live life. I’ve done for 15 years, but now it’s a relief to stop being a slave to all those little details. Cycling has been a great part of my life, but certainly not everything. That makes the decision to stop at 34 a bit easier. I don’t regret this farewell.”
His best memories
When asked about his favorite memories, champion said the Italian Grand Tour will always be in his memory. “In addition to my first Tour de France victory, my first one in the Giro d’Italia will always be my favorite,” he explained. “In 2008 I was on a holiday when I was called for the Giro.
“I almost didn’t know the country or the race, but I won it. It was an emotional moment for me and that made it extra special,” he added.
When asked about his favorite rider with whom he shared the peloton with, it seems Contador has a clear answer leaving no doubt behind. “I was a big (Marco) Pantani fan. I studied him on video because with him you knew something could always happen in the race,” he said. “He played strongly on the emotions of the fans. One day he would lose minutes and the other he gave everything in an all-or-nothing attack.
“I met him during one of my first races. In the Amorebieta GP, I went to ride next to him and briefly introduced myself. He responded very kindly. Marco was a real example to me. Perhaps I’ve taken over his way of riding and I would also prefer to risk everything instead of getting a second or third place.”
