MADRID – Spanish media hailed Alberto Contador on Sunday after he won the Tour de France for the third time, calling him the “king” of cycling’s premier event.

“King of the Tour,” wrote the online edition of sports daily AS below a photo of the cyclist wearing the leader’s yellow jersey.

“Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador has won his third Tour de France with a meager lead of 39 seconds over Andy Schleck of Luxembourg of Saxo Bank,” it said.

Contador’s win, following victories in 2007 and last year, took Spain’s tally to 13 wins in 97 editions of the Tour de France.

“Contador scores a triplet in Paris,” wrote the online edition of rival sports daily Marca on its main page.

“Alberto Contador already has his third tour under his belt and is nearing the five managed by Miguel Indurain,” it added.

“Contador once again reigns in Paris,” wrote the online edition of daily El Mundo.

“This is one of the greatest Spanish sportsmen of all time,” it added.

“Contador wins his third Tour of France,” wrote top-selling daily El Pais.

Article: AFP
Photo: CorVos