Alberto Contador to retire after 2017 Vuelta a Espana cycling tour

Alberto Contador made the announcement of his retirement with a message on social media site Instagram on Monday.

Twice Tour de France champion Alberto Contador will hang up his racing bike after this year’s Vuelta, bringing to and end the career of one of the world’s greatest cyclists.

Spain's Alberto Contador announced that he will bring an illustrious career to an end next month after racing in the Vuelta a Espana cycling tour on home soil. (AFP)

The Spaniard, who won all three Grand Tours in a professional career spanning 14 years, made his announcement with a message on social media site Instagram on Monday.

“I am retiring from professional cycling. I say this happy and without sadness,” the 34-year-old Contador said.

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“It’s a decision I have thought over very well and I don’t think there is a better farewell than in the race in my country.”

Contador won the 2007 and 2009 Tour de France but was stripped of the 2010 title after a doping ban.