In the minutes after the attack by Alberto Contador on yesterday’s stage to Mount Etna, things became considerably more muted amongst the mainly-Italian crowd standing at the summit finish. The Spaniard’s surge showed that the home challenge was not up to the task, at least yesterday, but there was another reason.
Simply put, a race known for its suspense and tight battles looked in danger of becoming a one-man procession for the next two weeks.
Even the race announcer appeared to be floundering in keeping the atmosphere going. He tried to commentate with the same drama as before, but it was hard to drum up the crowds when there was a knockout in the sixth round. A big fight had been expected on Etna, but in surging with over six kilometres remaining and then in dropping Michele Scarponi, Contador showed that he was clearly better than his rivals. From there until the finish line, it was simply a question of how much time he would gain.
The crowd stood at the summit, watching the action on a big screen and hoping that things would be tighter in the days left to come. There’s another fortnight to go before the end of the race and, no matter who they are backing, many of those will want to see a battle laced with drama, tactics and suspense in the days ahead.
Contador isn’t concerned with that; he’s aiming to win the race, not to play to the crowds. “It was an important day for the overall GC. In a way the Giro didn't start until today and it only makes the result greater,” he said afterwards, speaking to a huddle of print and TV media in an enclosure just after the line.
However he warned that it was too soon to call the final result. “The race is far from being over and there are a lot of demanding stages on the road ahead.”
Saxo Bank-SunGard team owner Bjarne Riis suggested afterwards that the attack was instinctive rather than premeditated, but Contador said otherwise. “Last night, I talked to Bjarne and we agreed that if I felt strong I should make a move about five to eight kilometers from the finish line. When I first created the gap, it was just full gas ahead.”
The attack was made considerably more risky by the fact that a strong wind was blowing on the exposed slopes of Mount Etna. Several riders tried to get clear of the chasing group after Contador broke the elastic, but were unable to remain ahead. He hit hard and fast, though, breaking the elastic and getting a substantial gap. And while Jose Rujano (Androni Giocattoli) was able to stay with him until inside the final two kilometres, he too was dropped when Contador decided it was time to go it alone.
The Spaniard had been encouraged earlier on by his sensations. “It was a really tough day and the first part of the stage was extremely fast as many riders wanted to break away. I felt good the first time climbing Etna and a felt good the second time, giving me the hunch that today was the day.
“It was risky to attack as there was a lot of wind to be alone, but I got this victory, I also got some very good time for the general classification. I am very happy. This win is special because this place is legendary and the scenery is incredible. I’m sure the photos [of the stage] will be magnificent.”
At the line, Contador’s usual Pistolero victory salute was absent. It’s a gesture which he’s well known for, and so not doing it prompted the inevitable questions why he didn’t do it at the end.
Surprisingly, he expressed uncertainty as to whether he had won. “I never expected to wear the “Rosa”, the important thing was to make a difference with the other riders,” he answered. “I actually did not know if there was someone in front of me. So I did not think to do it [the gesture], I’ll keep for another stage.”
As mentioned, his dominance yesterday led many to wonder if the race was over. He insisted this was not the case. “It’s not won. The Giro is a very hard race. I will do everything to win this event,” he answered.
Contador is vying to be the first to take the Giro-Tour double since Pantani in 1998. Following today’s rest day, twelve stages remain and will determine if he can achieve the first half of that goal. After that, he faces a hearing in front of CAS to determine if he can ride this year’s Tour de France, or if he will be suspended because of his Clenbuterol case.
He’s insisted he’s innocent, and thanked those who have supported him yesterday. “There are too many people to whom I could dedicate this to,” he said. “The fans are the ones who give me the strength to train. Then my family who has seen everything I did to get to this level of athletic condition. Finally the team and the sponsors Saxo Bank SunGard, in giving me incredible support in recent months.
He’ll draw on that backing in the remaining two weeks of the race. Although the gaps are still relatively small, he seems to be firmly in the driving seat. His rivals will use today’s rest day to think strategy, to work out their plans for the days ahead, and to try to ensure that a sense of suspense remains in this Giro d’Italia.