It’s been many months since Alberto Contador last raced in the big mountains and while yesterday’s finish in Arrate was just 580 metres above sea level, it was enough to show that the Spaniard is in good shape.
The Saxo Bank Tinkoff Bank rider attacked multiple times on that final climb, but was ultimately unable to shake off stage winner Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Chris Froome (Sky), who took the top three placings.
Contador crossed the line at the back of the four-man group, with the next riders six seconds back.
“I had good sensations,” he said, not appearing too disappointed with the result, although unlike some of the other riders, he didn’t give a reaction right after the finish. “In the end it is true that the differences were minimal [between the groups], but you have to think that there was no other climb before and that enables people to be much fresher.
“I’m happy with my sensations, despite not having done climbs in recent weeks. I am satisfied with the test, although it was a pity not to get the stage win, but the objective is Madrid and before the stage I would have signed up for this result.”
Given that Contador has only a few days racing after more than six months out of competition [the Eneco Tour marked his return after his Clenbuterol suspension – ed.], he should pick up the racing rhythm as time goes by. That, plus his freshness compared to those who have been racing heavily for months, could see him get stronger over the next two and a half weeks.
“I need more training, but I have a spark and that's a sign that I'm fresh. We have to be optimistic for the next stages.”
He begins today’s 160.6 kilometre stage to the Estación de Valdezcaray ski resort fifth overall, 24 seconds behind the 2009 race winner Alejandro Valverde. Some others lost time yesterday, but he recognises that the gaps were small and there’s plenty of racing ahead.
Contador doesn’t know how their legs will respond, but he’s content.
“I'm happy with the result, the legs were going well and that's the most important thing.”