Monday’s fall made Alberto Contador fear that he might be forced to pull out of Paris-Nice, but during Tuesday’s stage he concluded that he would be able to continue.
The 27 year old Astana rider reported discomfort and a lack of pedalling efficiency, but nothing more serious. “To continue in the race is assured”, he said. “The day has been more or less as expected. I knew it would be a complicated day in which I was not going to pedal well due to the blow, but as I've warmed up it has become easier.
“I couldn’t pedal in the way I naturally do, but I got through a long day and now I will work with my masseur to see if I can be perfect in two to three days.”
Contador is one of many riders who hit the tarmac during the opening couple of stages. His accident occurred with three kilometres to go on stage one, being caused by a rider hooking into him. He banged his left thigh hard and was very stiff afterwards.
Getting through Tuesday’s second stage was vital for his chances of continuing. “I won’t go home, because today was the most important test. I've also been able to finish and I could be in front, so it’s certain that I’ll continue on in the race.”
He has an idea of who could be the eventual winner of the race. “The rider who I think is the strongest is Jens Voigt. While many are going well, he is on who I pay more attention to”, he said.
Of course, the Spaniard wants to win the Race to the Sun himself, particularly after losing out last year with hunger knock. However, whatever happens, building form is the main target.
“We are doing very high speed average and there is great tension throughout the entire stage,” he explained. “We must be alert at all times, so it's like a training session ahead of July's Tour.”
Tomorrow’s fourth day of the race sees the riders cover a lumpy 208 kilometres between Saint-Junien and Aurillac. Lars Boom (Rabobank) continues to lead. Contador is ninth, 25seconds back.