Spaniard has taken his final bow today, in Shanghai, China, as he reflects on retirement and pins an official race number for the final time.
Even though Trek-Segafredo’s champion had already made his retiemrnt public and said all the goodbyes a couple of months ago soon after the end of the Vuelta a Espana, he took his last chance to do that at the today’s Shanghai Criterium alongside Froome and Uran.
?? That’s a wrap at #ShanghaiCriterium! Next stop, #SaitamaCriterium ??! #Ride_BMC ? @TDWsport pic.twitter.com/5MNO2AbydN
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) October 29, 2017
Soon after Vuelta a España ended, Contador had the chance to experience a hero’s welcome in Madrid a day after the Grand Tour. Since then, today’s appearance is his second one after participating at the Japan Cup Criterium two weeks ago.
A ‘special day’
“For me it’s a special day. I consider it as something symbolic. My last day with a professional license,” Contador told Shanghai’s reporters. “I have to say that the Vuelta was my final bow, but it’s true that it’s nice to have the chance to say goodbye here, alongside some of the biggest names in the peloton, and in a different cultural environment.”
.@albertocontador:”It was my last race and I really enjoyed it! I tried to attack attack attack” #ShanghaiCriterium pic.twitter.com/mxfqe8SXFh
— Le Tour de France (@LeTour) October 29, 2017
Even though he was only able to position himself ninth at this year’s the Tour de France which took place earlier in July, today, Contador was deservedly paraded alongside Le Tour winner, Chris Froome, and king of the mountains Warren Barguil.
“It was hard, I know the parcours was not the best for me and for that I tried to attack, attack, attack because I’m not fast in the sprint,” Contador said in his official interview, soon after the race ended.
“Today was my last race with a number on the back, and I enjoyed it. I feel very happy, I’m very happy. I finished at the moment that I wanted, with the team I want. With all the support from the fans – I could not have dreamed of anything better.”
