Astana Cycling Team

Alberto Contador has decided to change his next competition schedule after an analysis by the astana technical staff about his performance in the Tour of the Algarve and Paris-Nice.

"I had very good results in the first two races, my preparation is well under way and so we decided to change the calendar, to seek a less wear racing for me and for my team”, said Alberto Contador.

After a Paris-Nice that has been very taxing physically and mentally, Alberto Contador has decided to dismiss both the Volta a Catalunya and the Basque Country Tour. In return, the leader of Astana will ride in the Criterium International (27 and 28 March), in the Tour of Castilla and Leon (14 to 18 April), Fleche Wallonne (April 21) and Liege-Bastogne-Liege (April 25).

“The Criterium is a race that suits my characteristics very well and I also look forward to run because it has much prestige”, said Alberto. “The Tour of Castilla and Leon is a race for what I have a special affection and this year change dates has been good for me and give me the opportunity to go to the classics, where I especially hope to take some experience. I'm excited to ride there, because they have a special charm, but I realize that there will be more skilled riders than me to fight for victory”.

Alberto Contador finished saying he had decided to “sacrifice Catalonia and the Basque Country because of my preparation, because it is doing very well and do not want to risk exceeded. Also, I'll have the opportunity to meet other team riders that will be in the Tour, like Vinokourov”.

After this new program Contador will start a short rest period beginning with the preparation of the Tour de France, before which will ride the Dauphiné Libéré.