Spaniard Contador wins doping-marred Tour de France

PARIS, July 29 (Reuters) Spaniard Alberto Contador of the Discovery Channel team won the Tour de France after finishing safe in the bunch in today's last stage won by Italian Daniele Bennati.

The Lampre rider won the bunch sprint at the end of the 146-km 20th stage from Marcoussis to Paris. Norway's Thor Hushovd of Credit Agricole was second with German Erik Zabel coming home third for the Milram team.

Australian Cadel Evans finished second overall.

Belgian Tom Boonen took the green jersey for the best sprinter and Colombia's Juan Mauricio Soler won the polka-dot jersey for the best climber.

The 94th edition of the Tour was marred by doping scandals.

Alexander Vinokourov failed a blood doping test and was sent packing with his Astana team.

The Cofidis team also pulled out of the race following Italian Cristian Moreni's positive test for testosterone.

Dane Michael Rasmussen was sacked by his Rabobank team for lying about his training whereabouts and left the Tour when he was the race leader.

REUTERS TB BST2224