Alberto Contador hints at Tour de France-Vuelta a Espana double for 2011

Alberto Contador says next year he will likely race two grand tours, with likely starts at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España.

The three-time Tour champion raced just the French tour this year and has received some criticism from some who would like to see the sport’s top GC rider start another grand tour. In an interview with the Spanish sports daily MARCA, Contador said he’s leaning towards the Tour-Vuelta double next season.

“If everything goes as planned, I will race two grand tours next year,” Contador said. “It’s not sure, but in principal, I will race the Tour and Vuelta.”

Contador is recovering at home from a training crash last week when he injured his knee. The Spanish climber said this year, he wanted to focus completely on the Tour and not think about another grand tour.

“I was going hard from the beginning of the season, from the Algarve in February,” Contador said. “I never go to a race just to ride for the simple pleasure of doing it. I always try to win.”

Contador has already put a fork in his 2010 season and said he’s looking forward to making the move to Saxo Bank next season.

FILED UNDER: News / Road / Tour de France / Vuelta a España TAGS: Alberto Contador / Tour de France / Vuelta a España