Contador pulled over by french police - Thoughts by Joey Esterhuyzen

If the UCI had a three strike rule, Alberto Contador would be in his final hours as a Tour de France contender…

This time, it wasn’t a positive drug test, or traces of plasticisers in his blood – he was simply riding without lights on his bike. The Spaniard was subsequently pulled over by French Police and a brief argument ensued. Alberto Contador claimed that he did not need lights, as his team car would light the way as he snaked down the Galibier Pass.

 The police officer on the scene suggested that the car would struggle to keep up with Contador as he descended at speeds exceeding 70km/h. It is part of French Traffic Law that all vehicles on the road must have working lights, both front and rear. Including cyclists training for the Tour De France.

The incident brings back memories of the flamboyant Mario Cipollini, pulled over by the same authorities for riding at 90km/h behind his team car, on a motorway. Cipollini claimed it was the only way he could go fast enough to do his sprint training. Cipollini was given 63 Euro fine, and a fantastic publicity boost.

Alberto Contador is in his final phase of training before the 2011 Tour De France, an event which is once again being shadowed by less favourable topics. But as with every other year, the sheer magnitude, and beauty of the event still shines through. It’s assumed that Contador will compete in the event, even though his title may be stripped from him in the coming months (assuming he wins the Grand Tour).

With less than three weeks until the Tour De France rolls out of Passage Du Gois, anticipation is starting to build! It is promised to be another unpredictable race route, with the race starting with a road stage, instead of the usual Prologue. The Tour will cover a distance of 3430km and span for 21 stages.