Spain hail Contador's Tour win as start of a new era

MADRID, July 30 (Reuters) Alberto Contador's victory in a Tour de France marred by more doping scandals was hailed as the start of a new, cleaner era for cycling, Spanish media reported today.

''The fresh look of Contador'' wrote daily El Pais while the front page of sports daily AS read ''Champion of hope'' over a photo of the Discovery Channel team rider.

AS continued: ''Alberto is the future of this sport, not only because of his enormous talent... but also because he is the torch-bearer for a new cycling that is clean and a break from a past overshadowed by doping.'' This line was also taken up by Spain's sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky who told daily El Mundo: ''He represents clean cycling.

It is a great victory for Spanish sport. There were six Spaniards who finished in the top ten.'' Although leading riders such as Alexander Vinokourov and Michael Rasmussen were kicked out of the race in doping related incidents, Lissavetzky did not believe it cheapened Contador's achievement.

''The fact they have had a number of positive dope tests during the race proves that the systems work and that the mechanisms that regulate the fight against doping are valid,'' he added.

Contador himself said after the race: ''I hope my victory brings fresh air to cycling and that it will be the start of a new era.'' The fifth Spaniard to win the Tour was cheered on to victory by family, friends and neighbours in his home town of Pinto, near Madrid yesterday.

Hundreds of supporters packed into the local sports hall to watch the 24-year-old cross the line in Paris on a giant television screen, setting off wild celebrations.

They continue today when Contador returns to Madrid where he will be given a reception by the head of the Madrid's provincial government Esperanza Aguirre in the city centre.

REUTERS TB BD1651