Contador considers dropping 'pistolero' celebration in wake of Paris terror attacks
Alberto Contador has said he may change his signature victory salute if there's a risk it could upset fans at the Tour de France
Multiple Grand Tour champion Alberto Contador has revealed that he may stop performing his signature 'pistolero' winning celebration in the wake of the Paris attacks earlier this month.
The Spanish rider, who will line up as one of the favourites in what he has said will be his last Tour de France, is concerned that the mock-gun salute could upset fans.
"The significance of the celebration is not about shooting or violence," he told The Huffington Post UK.
"It's just for the people to show victory, but if some people could be offended by it then I have no problem not doing it," he said.
This is, of course, if he gets the opportunity to perform any celebration at all.
Chris Froome, Nairo Quintana and Fabio Aru are all also planning to ride the 2016 Tour meaning Contador will have a very elite field to overcome should he win his third Grand Boucle.
With all four riders looking to peak for the race it could be one of the best editions in recent years.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing and cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing, review cycling gear and write longer features for print and online.
-
Rapha's loss, your gain: prices slashed sitewide amid profitability concerns
The British clothing brand unveils an almost unheard-of 25% discount across its entire product range
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
A phone app saved my life after a crash, you shouldn't ride anywhere remote without it
Having taken a life-threatening tumble while out riding on the UK's South Downs, John Powell is coming back from the brink
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
The dog days aren't over at the Tour de France 2022: Canine chaos AND cuteness
‘Suddenly that beast crossed the street and I couldn’t go anywhere’ - stray dog causes Yves Lampaert to crash on stage 12
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel weigh in on 2009 feud with Alberto Contador
Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel have both weighed in on the 2009 feud between Armstrong and his team-mate Alberto Contador.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
Alberto Contador says he can't see Julian Alaphilippe winning the Tour de France
The two-time Tour champion maintains that Egan Bernal will win the French Grand Tour
By Jonny Long Published
-
Alberto Contador says Egan Bernal is ‘clear favourite’ for the Tour de France
The multiple Grand Tour winner says the 2019 Tour will be the most open edition in years
By Jonny Long Published
-
Andy Schleck: ‘Alberto Contador did something he shouldn’t have done, even if he denies it’
The Luxembourger also described winning a Tour de France title on paper rather than on the bike as 'bull***t'
By Jonny Long Published
-
Retired Alberto Contador missing competition, but relieved to no longer be 'slave to dieting'
The Spaniard says Sky's Chris Froome and Egan Bernal can both win Grand Tours in 2019
By Gregor Brown Published
-
Banning power meters would make racing a better spectacle, says Alberto Contador
The retired racer says riders should use power meters in training but not have that data for racing
By Gregor Brown Published
-
Alberto Contador took the KOM on the last climb of stage 17, and only three Tour de France riders went faster on Strava
Alberto Contador took the chance to test himself against the current pros on the Col de Portet, setting a time on Strava that only three were able to beat.
By Henry Robertshaw Published