The president of the International Cycling Union (UCI) Pat McQuaid awarded the trophies for the best rider and the best nation of the 2009 season to Alberto Contador and the Spanish National Cycling Federation (RFEC) at a ceremony today in Madrid. The award for Spain was accepted by Spanish Federation President Juan Carlos Castaño.
"I think this has been my best year ever, in terms of results rather than other circumstances, given the constant tension and pressure to which I was submitted," said Contador, likely referring to the extra pressure caused by the return of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.
"It has been the most important year of my life on a sporting level," said Contador of the season that saw him achieve his second Tour de France crown. He also said that he appreciated the fact that the UCI came to Spain to present the award.
Contador, 27, who recently confirmed he would be staying with the Astana team next season, said that he's "excited and motivated" about the 2010 season, where he will focus his efforts on securing a third Tour de France title.
"The fact that there is no team time-trial should clearly help us," he explained. "What concerns me more are the cobbled roads, I hope we can get through that. It will be important to avoid falls that can ruin the race."
The third stage of the 2010 Tour makes it's way from Wanze, Belgium to Arenberg, France, and will feature 13 kilometers of cobbled roads that the peloton will have to traverse along the way.
The Spaniard said his build-up to the Tour will include the Tour of the Algarve, Paris-Nice, the Tour of Catalonia and the Tour of the Basque Country.