The limited-edition Alberto Contador Grand Tour S-Works Tarmac SL3 stands as one of the most iconic commemorative road bikes of the modern era, and is one of the most unique bicycles in our Flandrien Bicycle Gallery collection.
This is an original team-issued bike personally ridden by Alberto Contador during the 2010 season, celebrating his rare achievement of winning all three Grand Tours—the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España. The bicycle was sourced in Belgium – the Astana team’s service course was located just 3km from the Flandrien Bicycle Gallery in nearby Brakel.
The bike incorporates a bespoke color scheme, high-end components, and personal touches reflecting Contador’s nickname, “El Pistolero.” Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the bike is a precision-engineered machine designed for the rigors of professional stage racing, perfectly suited to the aggressive and attacking riding style for which Contador was renowned.
At the heart of this limited edition is a size 52cm Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 frame, renowned for its stiff yet lightweight FACT carbon fiber construction. The frame combines torsional rigidity for explosive sprints and climbs with responsive handling, providing a level of performance demanded by a three-time Grand Tour winner. The custom paint scheme is a visual tribute to Contador’s victories: a striking gloss black finish highlighted with yellow, pink, and red accents representing the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, respectively. Personal symbols, including Contador’s “El Pistolero” signature marks, add a further layer of individuality, making the bike instantly recognizable to collectors and fans alike.
The groupset is a custom Tour de France Limited Edition SRAM Red, providing precise and reliable electronic shifting. This groupset, is paired with a Specialized S-Works FACT carbon crankset which is the only non-original part on the bicycle as the previous owner switched to a 110bcd 50/34 setup. The cockpit features an FSA finishing kit, including lightweight handlebars, stem, and seatpost. A Prologo saddle with custom accents blends performance with Contador’s personal style. The bike comes with Zipp 303 tubular wheels, delivering an ideal balance between aerodynamic efficiency and responsive acceleration, while keeping rotational weight low for climbing prowess.
Contador’s career provides important context for this machine. Born in Spain, Alberto Contador quickly emerged as one of cycling’s most formidable stage racers in the mid-2000s. Known for his explosive climbing ability, tactical intelligence, and relentless attacking spirit, he secured victories in all three Grand Tours: the Tour de France twice (2007, 2009), Giro d’Italia twice (2008, 2015), and the Vuelta a España three times (2008, 2012, 2014). He retired in 2017 with a final memorable triumph on the Angliru stage of the Vuelta a España.
Astana and Contador’s collaboration during the 2010 season marked a pivotal period in pro cycling, reflecting both the heights of athletic achievement and the complexities of professional sport. The original team bike Tarmac SL3 ridden by Contador is a tangible reminder of his extraordinary Grand Tour legacy. Each bike preserves the spirit of competition and cutting-edge technology of its era. This machine demonstrates the remarkable engineering behind top-level cycling, balancing lightweight design with stiffness and durability for optimal performance on the road.
This bicycle is an incredibly a rare and highly desirable piece of cycling history. Beyond its aesthetic and technical appeal, it embodies the intersection of elite performance, personal achievement, and professional legacy, making it an enduring symbol of Contador’s career and the sport of road cycling itself. For fans, this bike is more than a machine—it is a tribute to one of the most successful and aggressive Grand Tour riders of his generation, immortalizing his legacy in a high-performance, rideable work of art.
Size 52cm
