He is not necessarily the best known but he remains a key character in professional cycling. Jacinto Vidarte has acted as press officer for Alberto Contador for several years and is close to the most decorated grand tour rider of the current generation.

“My job is a difficult one but it depends on the personality of the rider,” he told CyclismActu about his role. “It's true that Alberto is a star but he is a man with whom it is easy to work. It's like that with everybody and I think the press likes him for always being available. There are never problems.

”My job depends on the race but even in small events, there is a lot of pressure because there are more journalists than before and a lot of interview requests. Obviously, the pressure is even greater at the most important races like the Tour de France. The goal is always to allow the rider to stay calm and to take away some of the pressure. We try to do the interviews on the rest days to allow the rider to concentrate on his competition. In the case of Alberto, we must make an extra effort because he believes that answering questions from journalists is part of his job, either before or after the race.

“Like everyone else, Alberto has some kinks but I will not say my goal is to promote his image. Alberto is a true champion and to be that one must have a great capacity to work, be able to suffer and devote much of the time to cycling. A champion can have a natural class but if he does not work, there is nothing. Alberto has an impressive work discipline.”

Contador has made it clear that he intends to retire after the 2016 season. He hopes to go out with a bang as he aims for another Tour de France victory. However, he has mentioned the possibility of doing another year if a major setback takes him out of contention at the Tour.

Vidarte confirms that Contador may indeed be back in the peloton in 2017.

“Alberto said that he expects 2016 to be his last season as a professional cyclist but he leaves an open door,” he said. “He wants to do a great Tour de France and shine at the Olympics. It depends on many factors but the decision will be taken during the season. It is possible that Contador will continue for one more year. The decision to stop has not been made yet. He wants to stop as a champion and that is a source of motivation for him.”

After his career, Contador is expected to work with his foundation which has a U23 and a junior team and may include a professional team in the future.

“He will devote time to his foundation and will promote cycling for young people,” Vidarte said. “He will also try to raise awareness about the disease he suffered [he suffered a stroke in 2005]. He will continue to follow the races but not as a sporting director.”