Alberto Contador's Tour de France legacy: Two wins, two stripped titles

Alberto Contador, the Spanish road cycling legend, won the Tour de France twice in 2007 and 2009. However, his legacy in the race is marred by two stripped titles due to doping violations.

What happened in Contador's Tour de France career?

Contador first claimed the yellow jersey in 2007, becoming the youngest rider since 1987 to win the Tour de France at age 24. He repeated the feat in 2009, solidifying his place among cycling's greats. However, his 2010 victory was later annulled after he tested positive for a banned anabolic agent.

In 2006, Contador finished second to Floyd Landis, who was later stripped of his title for doping. The 2006 Tour de France title remains unallocated.

Why were Contador's titles stripped?

Contador's 2010 Tour de France title was revoked after he tested positive for clenbuterol, a banned substance. The Spanish rider claimed the positive test resulted from contaminated meat, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld his two-year ban and stripped him of the title.

Lance Armstrong, who won seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005, was also stripped of his titles due to doping violations. Like Contador's 2010 title, Armstrong's victories were not reallocated.

Contador's impact on cycling

Despite the controversies, Contador remains one of the most talented cyclists of his generation. His aggressive riding style and ability to perform in all terrains made him a formidable competitor. He retired in 2017 after a career that included three Grand Tour titles (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España).

• 2007: Won Tour de France at age 24
• 2009: Second Tour de France victory
• 2010: Title stripped due to doping violation
• 2006: Finished second to Floyd Landis (later stripped)

Tour de France champions since 2000