The Spaniard Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) is undoubtedly one of the greatest tour cyclists in recent cycling history. Although he is not without controversy outside of Spain, he is considered a role model in his home country. In Pinto, near Madrid, the two-time Tour winner has now opened a bicycle school together with the Alberto Contador Foundation he set up.
“This is a moving day. [...] The children should discover the fun of cycling here, then we can see what the future will bring.", Contador announced on his website, refusing to see the school as a pure talent factory for future professional cyclists. However, he did not rule out that the stars of the future could come from the ranks of the U23 team supported by his foundation. "The way I see the development of the team so far, I think that we will be able to enjoy these drivers in ten years."
The school will be open to both girls and boys and will support them from the age of eight. "Spanish cycling is among the best in the world at professional level, but the foundation is patchy", Contador continues. "[The children] can learn the first steps on the bike here and get a taste of the sport.” It remains to be hoped that Contador's social commitment will bear fruit.