Contador’s Early Career and La Vuelta

Alberto Contador was born in Pinto, Spain in 1982 and quickly rose through the ranks as a talented all-rounder with a focus on climbing and stage races. He turned professional in 2003 and began showing his potential early on, with victories in shorter stage races. However, it was in the Grand Tours where Contador would make his name.

First La Vuelta Appearance: 2006

Contador made his first appearance in La Vuelta in 2006, but it was in the following years that he would rise to become a dominant force. His performances in his early Grand Tours showed his ability to compete at the highest level, and his aggressive riding style began to attract attention.

• 2006 Result: Contador finished a respectable 4th overall in his first Vuelta, showing that he had the potential to become one of the top contenders in the future.

La Vuelta Victories

2008: First La Vuelta Win

Contador’s first victory at La Vuelta came in 2008, when he was already emerging as a dominant force in world cycling. By this time, he had already won the Tour de France (2007) and the Giro d’Italia (2008), but his Vuelta victory in 2008 solidified his place among the sport’s elite.

• 2008 Victory: Contador rode aggressively throughout the race, particularly excelling in the mountain stages. He took control of the general classification early and defended the red jersey with the help of his Astana team. His victory made him only the fifth rider in history to win all three Grand Tours.

This win was significant not only because it completed his Grand Tour triple but also because it showcased his climbing prowess on Spain’s toughest ascents, like the Angliru and Lagos de Covadonga.

2012: The Legendary Comeback

After serving a doping ban, Contador returned to La Vuelta in 2012 with something to prove. In what would become one of the most legendary editions of the race, Contador mounted a fierce comeback on Stage 17, attacking 50 kilometers from the finish on the Collado La Hoz and surprising his main rivals, Joaquim Rodríguez and Alejandro Valverde.

• Why It Was Iconic: Contador’s attack on Stage 17 was a high-risk move, but it paid off spectacularly. His bold strategy helped him gain significant time on Rodríguez and secure his second La Vuelta victory. The stage is often considered one of the most thrilling in the race’s history.

• 2012 Victory: Contador’s ability to attack from long range and his relentless climbing on steep gradients earned him the red jersey once again, cementing his status as La Vuelta’s modern icon.

2014: Defying the Odds

Contador’s third and final La Vuelta victory came in 2014, when he entered the race with doubts surrounding his form and fitness. After suffering a leg injury in the Tour de France, many believed he wouldn’t be able to compete at his usual level. However, Contador defied expectations with another brilliant performance, battling against a strong field that included Chris Froome, Alejandro Valverde, and Joaquim Rodríguez.

• 2014 Victory: Contador’s impressive climbing ability was on full display as he won crucial stages, including the summit finish on the Puerto de Ancares. Despite stiff competition, he held off Froome to secure his third La Vuelta title.

• Legacy of 2014: This victory showed Contador’s resilience and ability to win even when not in his best form. It solidified his legacy as a champion who could always rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

Memorable Moments at La Vuelta

The Angliru: Contador’s Final Victory (2017)

Contador’s final Grand Tour race in 2017 provided one of the most emotional and memorable moments in cycling history. On Stage 20, Contador attacked on the brutal slopes of the Alto de l’Angliru, the race’s most feared climb. In a final act of defiance, Contador dropped the general classification leaders and soloed to victory, giving fans one last glimpse of his attacking brilliance.

• Why It Was Special: This was Contador’s last professional victory, and it came on one of La Vuelta’s toughest and most iconic climbs. His win on the Angliru was a fitting end to his career, as it showcased the aggressive and fearless riding style that had defined his entire career.

• Legacy of 2017: Even though Contador didn’t win the overall race, his final attack cemented his status as a fan favorite and a national hero in Spain. His farewell victory on the Angliru remains one of the most celebrated moments in La Vuelta’s modern history.

Contador’s Impact on La Vuelta

Alberto Contador’s aggressive style, never-say-die attitude, and strategic brilliance made him a true icon of La Vuelta. Unlike many riders who focused on defending their positions, Contador was always willing to attack, often from far out, creating some of the most exciting racing the Vuelta has ever seen.

Aggressive Tactics

Contador’s willingness to take risks, especially in the mountains, made him one of the most exciting riders of his generation. His long-range attacks, particularly on Collado La Hoz in 2012 and the Angliru in 2017, are prime examples of his aggressive racing tactics. He was never content to simply defend a lead—Contador always sought to create gaps and dominate his rivals.

National Hero

For Spanish cycling fans, Contador’s success at La Vuelta made him a national hero. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level in his home Grand Tour earned him widespread admiration. His victories also helped raise the profile of La Vuelta on the global stage, especially during an era dominated by riders like Lance Armstrong, Chris Froome, and Vincenzo Nibali.

Inspirational Figure

Contador’s journey was not without its challenges. His comeback from a doping suspension and his defiance in the face of injury inspired many fans and fellow riders alike. His perseverance, combined with his bold racing style, made him one of the most admired figures in the sport.

Conclusion

Alberto Contador’s legacy in La Vuelta a España is one of resilience, audacity, and brilliance. His three victories (2008, 2012, and 2014) cement his place as one of the greatest Grand Tour riders of all time, but it was his bold attacks, memorable comebacks, and his indomitable spirit that truly made him a modern icon of the race. Contador’s final victory on the Angliru in 2017 was the perfect swan song for a rider who was never afraid to take risks and who will forever be remembered as one of the greatest champions in La Vuelta’s history.