Alberto Contador Wins Scandal-Ridden Tour de France

The 104-year-old Tour de France is the foremost cycling event in the world. On Sunday, Alberto Contador of Spain secured a win in the 2007 edition of the race.

The 24-year-old Contador crossed the finish line on the Champs- lys'es 23 cumulative seconds ahead of Cadel Evans of Australia, and 31 cumulative seconds ahead of American Discovery Channel teammate Levi Leipheimer.  

The 2007 Tour was the second of Contador's career. He made his debut in 2005, finishing in 31st position. His 23-second margin of victory was the event's slimmest since 1989, when Greg Lemond beat Laurent Fignon by eight seconds.

Contador also became the first Spaniard to win the Tour since five-time champ Miguel Indurain earned his last title in 1995.

"There were hard times," the youngster told reporters through a translator after his victory. "Saturday's time trial was very hard. I had to fight but it was worth it, it's marvelous."

Prior to the race, Contador had told French reporters that his greatest wish was to get the white jersey, reserved for the best young rider.

He did much better than that. 

"It's an extraordinary joy," Contador added after the race, kissing his yellow jersey as staffers uncorked champagne to celebrate the moment.

The 2007 Tour de France, it should be noted, was among the most scandal-marred in history. 2006 champion Floyd Landis was barred because of doping charges. Two other favorites, Alexander Vinokourov of Kazakhstan and Cristian Moreni of Italy, failed doping tests and were forced out of the race along with their teams.

Denmark's Michael Rasmussen, meanwhile, was expelled from the race for missing drug tests in May and June. News also emerged that one German competitor, Patrik Sinkewitz, had tested positive for excessive testosterone levels in June.

Polls conducted by French newspapers found that most fans want to see the Tour suspended until organizers can clean it up for good.

 

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