Alberto Contador has confirmed he has not yet signed a contract for the 2016 season, and any team that seeks to hire him must also be willing to take on board his right hand man Jesus Hernandez, his personal press officer Jacinto Vidarte and his personal mechanic Faustino Muñoz.

Trek-Segafredo and Lampre-Merida have both openly admitted they are keen to sign the 33 year old Spaniard, whoe Tinkoff team are reportedly folding at the season’s end. Contador admits that his chances of creating his own teama re all but dead.

“In these times, there is a lot of movement in the market, and they open a thousand options that we are mulling over,” Contador. told AS. “Two months ago, I decided that I would continue in cycling because I really enjoy what I do. We have different options; the majority are very attractive. There has been contact with sponsors but the deadlines are quite late and each time an option of my own team has less weight. Everything points to a team that is willing to invest in me and my group. At this point, with my own team, it would not have the same guarantees that it would have a well-formed structure.”

Contador also confirmed he will ride his first Spanish championships since 2011, where a hilly course favours climbers. After that, the Tour de France and Olympics beckon.

“I like the route,” Contador about the Olympic course in Rio. There are few times that the Olympics and the Worlds give options to riders of my characteristics. It is after the Tour, and I will arrive in good form. It is a route for climbers, and I am motivated to prepare for it with eagerness. We can have a very potent selection.”

He also confirmed that the Vuelta a Espana could also be a target, depending on how his summer goes and how well he can recover from some big efforts.

“I see possibilities to race. It will be a tough year with what we are already taking on, now the Tour, and after I would like to be at the Olympics in Rio. Afterwards, there is very little time to prepare for the Vuelta a Espana.”