Budapest: Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso wants to start a cycling team and is already eyeing Tour de France champion Alberto Contador to be part of it.
Alonso told a radio statio that time was likely too short to get the team running from next year, so 2011 was a better possibility.
"Cycling is a sport that I enjoy and, yes, I'd like to start a team but it's not easy," Alonso said from the Hungarian Grand Prix. "We're already in July and that leaves us at risk for being ready for next year."
Alonso was at the start of this year's Tour at Monaco to cheer on fellow Spaniard Contador, who is on the verge of collecting his second Tour title in three years.
"Contador has one year left on his contract (with Astana). There's maybe a possibility for the year after," Alonso said about teaming up with cycling's best. "We'll see."
Alonso left no doubt what competition his team would be gunning for.
"The Tour de France, of course. If we win the Tour de France, it's not a problem if you finish eighth or 10th at other races," the Spaniard said. "Every cyclist's dream is to win (it)!"
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, July 24, 2009, 14:19