According to Cyclingnews, Alberto Contador has been voted the best rider of the year by the international cycling press. The website reports that the 31-year-old Spaniard will receive the presitigious Velo d'Or prize for the fourth time in his career.

With the Velo d'Or, the international cycling press celebrate the best rider of the year. Contador has had a very consistent season with several highs and a single low.

Until the end, "El Pistolero" was in contention for the win in the individual WorldTour ranking but in the end he had to admit defeat to Alejandro Valverde.

Contador crashed out of the Tour with a broken tibia. But two months later, he stood on the podium as the winner of the Vuelta. The Spanish climber also won Tirreno-Adriatico and the Vuelta al Pais Vasco.

If the rumour is confirmed, Contador will take the win for the fourth time. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, he also took home the prestigious trophy. Last year Chris Froome won the prize.

Cyclingnews also reports that Jean-Christophe Peraud has won the prize as the best French rider. The Ag2r veteran finished second in the Tour de France, the best performance by a home rider since 1997.