14 Jul 2009

Alonso to start up cycle team

6:07 am on 14 July 2009

Spain's two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso is planning to set up a cycling team headed by his compatriot Alberto Contador, the 2007 Tour de France winner.

Alonso has already discussed the project with Contador, who is delighted to take part in it even though he still has a year left on his contract with his current team Astana.

A newspaper report says the team could be sponsored by one of the current sponsors of Alonso's Renault team, including Santander, Spain's largest bank and one of Europe's biggest.

Alonso, the Formula One world champion in 2005 and 2006, was present at the start of the Tour de France on July 4th in Monaco in which Contador is taking part.

Contador is now second overall in the Tour, six seconds behind yellow jersey holder Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy following the race's ninth stage.