Alberto Contador was feted in his hometown of Pinto on Tuesday, marking his final farewell to professional cycling.
The 34-year-old Spaniard had announced his retirement in August, with the 2017 Vuelta a Espana being his last race.
## What happened in Pinto?
The crowd in the Plaza de La Constitución sang "Un año más, un año más, un año más.." as Contador appeared on the balcony of the Pinto town hall.
The scene has become a regular feature since his 2007 Tour de France win.
## Why it matters for Alberto Contador
Contador's final race was an aggressive one, with a stage win on the Angliru climb, ensuring a 100% winning record on the infamously hard Asturian climb.
He finished the 2017 Vuelta a Espana with a stage win, a testament to his enduring talent.
## What comes next for Alberto Contador?
Contador will now focus on his Foundation, which has two branches, including one dedicated to stroke awareness, a cause close to his heart after suffering a stroke himself.
He plans to grow his team and reach the top category of cycling within a couple of years.
The Foundation's work will be a key part of Contador's post-cycling career, with a focus on education and awareness.
And he will not have much free time, with a busy schedule ahead.
But for now, Contador can look back on a successful career, with 7 Grand Tour wins, including 3 Vuelta a Espana titles, won in 2008, 2012, and 2014.
So his final farewell in Pinto was a celebration of his achievements, with the crowd showing their appreciation for his dedication to the sport.
"I think there's no better time to leave," Contador said, reflecting on his decision to retire.
The Vuelta a Espana was a fitting final race, given its status as his home Grand Tour.
Contador's career has been marked by numerous highlights, including his 7 Grand Tour wins.
He will be remembered as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation, with a legacy that will continue to inspire future riders.
The Angliru climb will always be associated with Contador, given his impressive record on the mountain.
As he moves on to the next chapter of his life, Contador can look back on a career filled with memorable moments.
His focus on stroke awareness will be an important part of his post-cycling work, with the aim of educating people about the disease and its detection.
Contador's Foundation will continue to grow, with a focus on supporting young riders and promoting the sport.
The Pinto town hall was a fitting venue for Contador's final farewell, given its significance in his hometown.
The crowd's "Un año más" chant was a poignant moment, as Contador bid farewell to his career.
,
"After the first Tour, it was very special, but this one is very different to all," Contador said, reflecting on his career.
The 2017 Vuelta a Espana was a memorable final race, with Contador's stage win on the Angliru climb a highlight.
Contador's retirement marks the end of an era in professional cycling, but his legacy will live on.
The cycling world will miss Contador's aggressive riding style and his ability to win big races.
But Contador is excited about the next chapter of his life, with a focus on his Foundation and stroke awareness.
,
"I will turn to my Foundation, which has two branches," Contador said, outlining his plans for the future.
The Foundation will be a key part of Contador's post-cycling career, with a focus on supporting young riders and promoting the sport.
Contador's stroke awareness work will be an important part of his legacy, with the aim of educating people about the disease and its detection.
The cycling community will continue to support Contador, even in retirement.
,
"I will not have much free time," Contador said, reflecting on his busy schedule ahead.
The Foundation will keep Contador busy, with a focus on growing the team and reaching the top category of cycling.
Contador's legacy will continue to inspire future riders, with his aggressive riding style and ability to win big races.
The 2017 Vuelta a Espana was a fitting final race, given its status as Contador's home Grand Tour.
,
"I think there's no better time to leave," Contador said, reflecting on his decision to retire.
The cycling world will miss Contador's presence, but his legacy will live on.
The Pinto town hall was a fitting venue for Contador's final farewell, given its significance in his hometown.
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