December 14, 2009 (Madrid, Spain) – During a ceremony in Madrid today, the President of the International Cycling Union (UCI), Pat McQuaid, awarded the trophies for the best rider and the best nation of the 2009 season to Alberto Contador (ESP) and the Spanish National Cycling Federation (RFEC).

The 2009 UCI World Calendar brought together the 24 biggest events – one-day and stage races – in the world. The 2010 UCI World Calendar will begin on January 19 with the Tour Down Under, in Australia. It will include 26 races and will feature for the first time two new events: the Quebec and the Montreal Grand Prix Cyclistes, in Canada.