Astana Cycling Team

Alberto Contador won in Mende 10 seconds on the overall leader, Andy Schleck, the same that he took on him in Avoriaz, showing at the first time the weakness of Luxembourgeois. "It's always good to get differences", said Alberto after crossing the finish line, "although it is better to get more. They still have the responsibility to the race and have the need to attack".

At 31 seconds from Schleck in the overall, Alberto says "he can run on the defensive, thinking about the last time trial. Today was an important day". Regarding the possible collaboration with Rodriguez, Alberto said it had been minimal, "because he went to win the stage and me the GC. Nor do I let him to win, of course, he has done it".

Regarding the Pyrenees this stage is very important, because it means that the legs respond well, and that's the most important. In addition to showing the weakness of his closest rival. "I've seen jumping a rider and Andy was not moving. He is a very ambitious rider so that could be a sign of weakness. I have tried and it went well. It was a pity not to win the stage, but take time was very important because sometimes you have a good day and sometimes a bad one".

In this regard, Alberto believed to have done a psychological blow just before the Pyrenees. "This is important but the differences were minimal. Also, Vino has done a great job getting into the breakaway because that prevented the team to work and today was a day incredibly hard. Speed has always been high".

Jacinto Vidarte
Jefe de Prensa / Press Officer