Astana Cycling Team

Alberto Contador finished the opening time trial of Paris-Nice six seconds off  stage winner Lars Boom and tied with Levi Leipheimer. “It’s true that winning wasn’t possible, but that’s not what’s most important, because I’m very happy with my performance,” he said.

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“Hitting tempo at the outset cost me a little and it had an impact on this time trial, but later I was pretty comfortable. I didn’t manage to win, but that’s even better considering the team, because we have less responsibility,” said Contador. “There are other riders who are very strong, but I also got some important time on people like Chavanel, Schleck and Valverde.”

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The time trial had a section of cobblestones at the beginning, but for Contador it wasn’t significant. “It’s always different than if it was a smooth road, but it didn’t have much effect on the race, because it was a short section. Besides,” he concluded, “I felt pretty comfortable on it.”

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(Official press release, Alberto Contador press office)

Contador 8-3-10