Contador and Raúl García on the void after retirement | OneFootball

At Emen4sport in Deusto, Alberto Contador and Raúl García explored how elite athletes handle the void after retirement. According to El Correo, their focus was the psychological and physical transition once the lights go out.

Their friendship began when the Madrilenian gifted the Navarrese a bike, a promise to visit Bilbao becoming a round table moderated by Begoña Beristain. The event was preceded by a private fitness test for the rider from Pinto.

For many professionals, the day after feels like an abyss, with careers often ending past thirty. Contador reflected that retirement arrives relatively young, shifting abruptly from maximum strain to inactivity, and that keeping moving is important.

Raúl García described a planned disconnection after an exacting career with Osasuna, Atlético and Athletic, where he even cycled to training to the astonishment of team-mates. He feared losing the daily routine, yet says he is happy and calm, helped by shedding responsibility.

Since retiring, the bike is his escape, guided by Contador, who still tackles amateur rides of 300 kilometres. Both insisted movement is non-negotiable, that continued exercise is vital regardless of past status.

Raúl García assessed Athletic’s demanding season after the mental load of the Champions League and the squad’s inconsistency. With Edin Terzic arriving, he urged patience, time to adapt and early wins to build belief. On the imminent World Cup, he said he disconnects on holiday with his children and will watch only if timings suit.

Contador said the peloton is ruled by Jonas Vingegaard, a recent Giro d’Italia winner, and Tadej Pogačar. He flagged young Paul Seixas as a possible surprise for the next Tour de France after impressing at the Vuelta al País Vasco, and he continues to chase a Tour start for Team Polti Kometa.

Source: El Correo