Alberto Contador

Winning the 2007 Tour de France marked the start of a sequence where Alberto Contador secured six consecutive Grand Tour victories between 2007 and 2011. Born in Pinto in the Community of Madrid, this Spanish cyclist became one of only eight riders in history to win all three major cycling Grand Tours, defining an era through his aggressive climbing style.

Early Career and Medical Recovery

Contador began amateur racing at 15 with the Real Velo Club Portillo. By 2001, he secured the under-23 Spanish National Time Trial Championship. His career faced a critical interruption in 2004 when he suffered a seizure caused by a cerebral cavernoma. Following risky brain surgery, he returned to professional cycling eight months later to win a stage at the 2005 Tour Down Under.

THE FREE TEST

How high is yours?

Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.

Take the IQ test →

Grand Tour Dominance

His professional rise accelerated with the Discovery Channel team. He captured the Tour de France twice, in 2007 and 2009. His performance at the 2008 Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España further solidified his standing. He completed a rare career feat by winning all three Grand Tours multiple times, concluding his professional trajectory with a final victory at the Alto de l'Angliru.

Professional Hurdles and Accolades

Beyond his athletic achievements, Contador navigated legal and medical challenges. He was implicated in the Operación Puerto case in 2006 and later faced a doping suspension regarding the 2010 Tour de France. Throughout his career, he secured the Vélo d'Or a record four times and received the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit.