Madrid (AFP)
Former Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador has auctioned off his used bike for the Tour of Italy and the Tour de France 2011 to raise funds to counter the epidemic of new coronavirus, the rider announced on Twitter on Thursday.
"The fight against this COVID-19 continues, and I wanted to make an extra effort. I will auction this bike, used during the Giro and Tour 2011, which means a lot to me. The funds raised will go to the Red Cross . I will do it on eBay, "said the Spanish runner (37) on his social media on Thursday.
"I want to show you something that matters a lot to me. It's the Etna bike, from the attack to the Telegraph pass, with the finale at Alpe d'Huez ... I decided to donate this bike to the Red Cross to fight this COVID-19 that is hurting us so much, "repeated Contador in a video posted on his social networks.
The auction started at 2,500 euros, and stood at around 13,500 euros this Thursday at midday. They will end on April 15, shortly before noon (French time / 10:00 GMT).
This racing bike, Specialized brand and white, was used during his coronation on the Tour of Italy in 2011, a victory which was then withdrawn for doping by the Arbitral Tribunal for Sport (CAS) in 2012 , which deprived him at the same time of his title on the Tour de France 2010.
Alberto Contador, retired since 2017, is one of the seven riders to have won the three major Tours (France in 2007 and 2009, Spain in 2008, 2012, and 2014, Italy in 2008 and 2015).
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