Alberto Contador gave the Astana-Wurth team its second stage win in the Tour de Suisse, and continued his love affair with Helvetian racing, as he also has two stage wins in the Tour de Romandie. The 23 year-old was happy with his result, especially as he was not looking to do well on GC in the Tour de Suisse.
"I didn't have the idea to go for the GC, I only wanted to get some racing speed in while thinking of the Tour, but I knew at the end of the race I could try to win something."
Contador said that he struggled at first. "I had to fight from the beginning of the stage. In the first kilometres, I was not feeling too good, and had doubts, but on the last climb I decided to play hard and attacked at six kilometres from the summit. I have managed to cross the top with enough time (1'08) and I could keep the advantage."
The victory was a morale booster for the team, which is currently in crisis in the wake of Operacion Puerto and the withdrawal of Liberty Seguros as the main sponsor. "It's especially good for all of us and, for me personally, it's good to motivate myself for the Tour. It particularly gives me tranquility, because I see that the preparation is working and I will be able to come to France in the best condition."
Tomorrow, Contador said he will try to prove himself against the clock, "but there are better favourites than I, like Ullrich. And besides, it is certain that I will pay for today's effort."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
