• Cycling

Contador to leave Astana after 'rejecting ultimatum'

ESPN staff
July 28, 2010
Alberto Contador is a three-time Tour de France winner © Getty Images
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Tour de France winner Alberto Contador has revealed that he will not race for the Astana team next season after deciding not to renew his contract.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, who joined Astana in 2008, made the decision after rejecting an "ultimatum" from the Kazakh-funded team.

"Although the position of both parties was not so far from each other, the team wanted to know urgently whether or not [he would renew his contract]", said a statement from Contador's press officer. "Alberto Contador has rejected the ultimatum of Astana."

Reports in the Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Contador is close to signing up with Bjarne Riis, who has confirmed he has secured two major backers for his team in 2011.

There are vacancies in the Riis team for next season, as Frank and Andy Schleck are leaving to form their own outfit in Luxembourg.

Contador has told L'Equipe that he intends to make an announcement on his future by the end of the week.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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