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(L-R) Prince Albert of Monaco, F1 driver Fernando Alonso and Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx at the start of the Tour in Monaco.

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Alonso rumoured to be starting new cycling team

Alberto Contador could race for a team backed by compatriot and Formula 1 driver, Fernando Alonso, in 2010, according to reports on Monday.

Amid the ongoing speculation over Contador's position at Astana in the wake of Lance Armstrong's return to cycling, La Gazetta dello Sport reported that Alonso is keen to create a new team, with the 2007 Tour de France winner as captain.

Alonso, like a number of Formula 1 drivers, is a cycling enthusiast and was a notable presence at the Tour's Grand Depart in Monaco on July 5. Spanish daily Marca reported that Alonso had already spoken to Contador in relation to the two working together on a new team.

Marca also indicated that financial backing for the team may come from worldwide Spanish banking group, Santander, whose current vice-president is Alfredo Sáenz.

Sáenz served as president of Banesto from 1993-2002. Banesto sponsored Miguel Indurain's team throughout the five-time Tour de France winner's career.

Contador is contracted to Astana until the end of the 2010 season, however the future of the Kazakh squad was cast into doubt following comments made by Alexandre Vinokourov at the start of July. The Kazakh indicated that he was preparing to restructure the team upon his return to the sport.

Vinokourov is expected to return to competition in August, after serving a two-year ban for blood doping at the 2007 Tour de France.

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