Alberto Contador

Recently-crowned Giro d'Italia champion Alberto Contador said on Tuesday, June 3 that he could be considered one of the greats of the sport.

Contador wins the 2008 Giro - Pic fotoreporter sirotti - More pics from the final TT stage

The 25-year-old Spaniard added the Giro to his 2007 Tour de France title and is looking to win the Tour of Spain in September, though, he will not be able to defend his Tour de France championship because his Astana team were not invited by the race organisers after a series of high profile drugs scandals - none involving Contador.

"With the Giro and the Tour de France under my belt, I can justifiably consider myself one of the greats of cycling, even if there still remains a lot of work to be done to reach the level of the legends," said Contador.

Contador, though, has given up hope of being a late invitee to this year's Tour de France, even, though, world governing body the International Cycling Union (UCI) objected to the organisers decision and offered to try and find a solution.

"I still think that it was a bad decision, without foundation, and which does not please me atall," said Contador. "Astana will do its utmost to compete in the Tour this year."

Contador, though, while admitting his results can revive Spanish cycling, rejected flat out he could be compared to previous Spanish cycling legends such as Miguel Indurain or Pedro Delgado, both of whom also tasted glory in the Tour de France.