Astana Cycling Team

Alberto Contador: “I look forward to compete”

Photo: © InfoContador

Alberto Contador returns to racing tomorrow after the longest period of voluntary rest of his career, which makes the Volta ao Algarve an appointment that the Astana leader has waited with great desire, but also points out that precisely because of this "I do not get the same opportunities as in 2009 when I won the overall."

How do you come to the first race of 2010?

I am especially looking forward to. I am a rider who likes to compete and that's what motivates me. I think I came with a good level, but not with that of 2009 when I won. I'm fine, but what I want is to make a good preparation for the Paris-Nice, that I want to contest.

Can you compare your feelings with those of last year?

The sensations are good, but in 2009 I came from a stage in the U.S. where I worked very well and this year, however, has been a very bad weather in Madrid and I have not trained as I like. Anyway, this is the first race of the year and we should not pay too much importance.

Have you changed your training or have done it as previous years?

No, I have done more or less like other years, perhaps with more long trainings in 2009, with the idea to adjust a little more weight, because I'm still 63,5 kg, 2 kg above the weight of the Tour , and you can feel that.

How about the course of the Volta ao Algarve 2010, it’s better or worse than last year?

It's great for doing a good training, but it is a little worse than 2009, because the time trial is shorter and completely flat, people told me. Last year was very hard and it allowed me to draw differences. This year, however, there are other riders with more posibilities on this course.

How about participation, who are the favorites?

Waiting the official confirmation, I know that come Leipheimer, Klöden, Luis Leon Sanchez, Ivan Gutierrez, Samuel Sanchez and Vandevelde. And there will have, among others, Chavanel, Ezequiel Mosquera and Joaquin Rodriguez, not forgetting the riders of the Portuguese teams, which are very good and at home have a special motivation.

Photo: © InfoContador

Do you want to check yourself in front of your rivals?

No, I just want to check my form and how do I respond in the race, not a matter of comparison.

This has been the longest period of time you have voluntarily gone out of competition, is it made you long?

Not at all, but to start again is a handicap because you lack a bit, it's not as easy as if you had finished after the Worlds. You must train hard to reach the same point, although it has its positive side. In the long term the body will apreciate this rest.

In 2010 do you think you can improve your performance and, if so, on time trial, on climbing, where?

Yes, I think I will improve. On training I'm working at 100% and I think I can improve in both mountain and time trial. I'm doing some tests and the results are even better than last year. I hope that it work out in competition.

(Automatic translation. Forgive inaccuracies).

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Jacinto Vidarte
Jefe de Prensa / Press Officer