Contesti is the first Italian man to medal at European Championships in 55 years when he took the silver in 2009. Carlo Fassi had won the gold in 1954. Contesti competed for France until 2006. He then moved to Italy and meanwhile received Italian citizenship. He is coached by his wife Geraldine Zulini. They got married in February 2007. Their son Ennio was born in June 2009. Contesti started skating because his two elder sisters were skating. His father Yves was a professional soccer player in the French premier league.