Spain's two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador said on Monday that he plans to retire from cycling after the 2016 season.
"After 2016, what I can say for now, is that I don't see myself racing," the 32-year-old told a news conference.
"This year, I am sure to be there, but next year I can't guarantee... That may be my last year," he added.
Contador won the Tour de France in 2007 and 2009 and the Giro d'Italia in 2008 and has won the Tour of Spain three times -- in 2008, 2012 and 2014.
"It is hard to set a date when you love what you do. Physically I feel very well but it is true that the years are going by and you have to set a date. I would like to retire on top of a podium," he said.
"I feel very good, I recover well from training, I am very excited with my team. While I am very well physically, I could not know exactly how many years I could compete in the grand tours. I would like to retire at the top."
Contador will start his 2015 season on Wednesday at the Ruta del Sol, a five-day stage race in southern Spain. It is the last season of his current contract with Tinkoff-Saxo.– AFP