Alberto Contador's Children's Book Launch

Alberto Contador introduced a new children’s book based on his life yesterday at Isabel la Católica middle school in Pinto. The book, entitled Querer es Poder (Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way), was written by Jordi Sierra i Fabra, one of Spain’s most celebrated authors and a specialist in children’s literature.

Querer es Poder is the newest installment in a series published by SM and dedicated to lives of famous athletes. Iker Casillas and Severiano Ballesteros, among others, are also featured in the series, which can be found on sale in bookstores in Spain.

“The book is not a biography—that will come later,” said Contador, calling it a “collection of anecdotes” from his childhood and early days on the bike.

“It’s a curious tale with stories about the difficulties I went through in the hospital and experiences I had when I was a child,” he said. "I hope that the book can serve to instill in the kids a desire to dream, and that the values of sport keep them on the right path.”

Alberto used to be a pupil at Isabel la Católica, and appeared yesterday before many of his former teachers. The principal, Nieves Blanco, delivered a few emotional words, and confessed that she is an enthusiastic follower of the winner of the 2009 Tour de France.

After the presentation, Contador personally signed copies for about 100 students, later posing for photographs surrounded by the children holding their new books.