Overview

The 97th edition of the Tour de France took place from 3 to 25 July 2010 and followed the race’s traditional pattern of three weeks of racing with two rest days and a mix of flat, mountain and time-trial stages. The Grand Départ was held in the Netherlands, and the race concluded with the customary finish on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The event attracted the world’s leading professional teams and riders and remained one of cycling’s three Grand Tours.

Race structure and characteristics

As with other editions, the 2010 Tour consisted of 21 stages covering a variety of terrain: sprinter-friendly flats, high mountain climbs that shaped the general classification, and individual and/or team time trials. The overall winner is determined by lowest cumulative time across all stages; separate classifications reward points, mountain climbing and the best young rider, among other competitions.

Contenders and result

Two young climbers, Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador, were the principal rivals for the overall victory in 2010. Alberto Contador crossed the finish line in Paris first on the road, with Andy Schleck originally second. Official coverage and team information were provided throughout the race, for example via the race’s official channels race page.

Controversy and aftermath

Following the race, Contador returned a positive test for the banned substance clenbuterol. He disputed intentional wrongdoing, citing a contamination defense. After a prolonged legal process the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in 2012 to disqualify Contador from the 2010 result and impose a suspension; as a consequence Andy Schleck was elevated to overall winner. For further context on the riders involved see profiles such as Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador.

Legacy and significance

The 2010 Tour is remembered both for its sporting contests in the mountains and for the high-profile doping case that followed. The outcome reinforced ongoing debates about testing, appeals processes and the integrity of results in elite cycling. Administrators, teams and fans regard the episode as a notable moment in the sport’s modern anti-doping history.

  • Edition: 97th Tour de France
  • Dates: 3–25 July 2010
  • Start: Grand Départ in the Netherlands
  • Finish: Champs-Élysées, Paris