Alberto Contador wins Tour de Jerusalem during Saxo Bank training camp

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador emerged victorious in a short race around Jerusalem on Tuesday involving the Spaniard’s Saxo Bank team and a host of Israeli riders.

Contador broke away to win the race, which took place over 10 laps of a 2.8km circuit in the alleys of the Old City, next to the Western Wall, and was dubbed the Tour de Jerusalem by local organizers.

The race began with a ceremonial lap with Mayor Nir Barkat and 100 cyclists from Israeli clubs. It also being Contador’s 29th birthday, he was presented with a cake.

Contador and the Saxo Bank team are in Israel on a team-building camp ahead of the 2012 season.

FILED UNDER: News / Race Report / Road TAGS: Alberto Contador