(L-R) Prince Albert of Monaco, F1 driver Fernando Alonso and Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx at the start of the Tour in Monaco.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
2008 Tour champion Carlos Sastre (Cervelo TestTeam) had no answer for Contador's attack.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
With the bulk of his season completed, Carlos Sastre will support friend and compatriot Fernando Alonso at this weekend’s European Grand Prix in Valencia. While Sastre has been a long-time supporter of Formula One, this weekend’s race will be the first time he’s seen an event in person.
“Due to commitments in my sport, I have never before been able to attend a race,” said Sastre. “This year though, my season is already over so I am able to go to Valencia to enjoy the show."
Sastre was delighted to hear Alonso would be competing this weekend after having a ban against his team overturned. “It’s great news,” said Sastre. “The two of us have a good friendship. This winter we trained on our bikes together in Portugal and now I will be able to see him and cheer him on in this race."
Alonso is also a huge supporter of cycling, with rumours circulating earlier in the year that the Spanish driver was interested in launching his own professional cycling outfit as soon as 2010. Reigning Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has been linked to an Alonso-owned or supported outfit, but neither side has confirmed the reports or even whether such a team will go ahead.
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