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Alberto Contador - International Cyclist of the Year
It's been a big year in professional cycling and the editorial staff at VeloNews took some time to look back at 2008 for our 21st annual awards issue.
Topping the list is the magazine's pick for International Cyclist of the Year, Alberto Contador. In the past, our editors' picks have often been at odds with those of our readers, but there seemed to be a strong consensus for 2008. A VeloNews.com reader poll showed overwhelming support for the man who won two of cycling's three grand tours this year. Keep in mind that he and his team weren't invited to the third, this year's Tour de France.
Who was the best cyclist of 2008?
| Rider | Votes | % |
| Alberto Contador | 2169 | 80 |
| Fabian Cancellara | 380 | 14 |
| Carlos Sastre | 73 | 3 |
| Other | 76 | 3 |
Aside from his disappointment that he missed the chance to defend his 2007 Tour title, Contador's year was nearly perfect, beginning with a strong season debut at the Mallorca Challenge in February, a Giro d'Italia victory in May and the overall title at the Vuelta a España in September.
Contador joins an elite group of the sports greatest by chalking up wins in all three grand tours, having done so in just 14 months. From all indications, 2009 could be an even bigger year for the 26-year-old Spaniard.
Other VeloNews Awards
• North American Cyclist of the Year – Levi Leipheimer
• Female Cyclist of the Year – Kristen Armstrong
• Domestic Roadie of the Year – Brooke Miller
• Junior Cyclist of the Year – Taylor Phinney
• Best U.S. Men’s Team of the Year – Garmin-Chipotle
• Best U.S. Women’s Team of the Year - Cheerwine
• International Cyclocross Man of the Year – Lars Boom
• International Cyclocross Woman of the Year – Hanka Kupfernagel
• North American Cyclocross Woman of the Year – Katie Compton
• North American Cyclocross Man of the Year – Beats us (We just couldn’t decide between Jonathan Page or Tim Johnson)
• Mountain Bike Man of the Year – Julien Absalon
• Mountain Bike Woman of the Year – Marie Hélène Premont
• North American Mountain Bike Man of the Year – Geoff Kabush
• North American Mountain Bike Woman of the Year – Georgia Gould
Details on these and other VeloNews awards can be found in the latest issue of VeloNews.
