Alberto Contador (SaxoBank-Sungard) yesterday took part in an online chat with readers of Spanish newspaper El Mundo, where he revealed his racing program for next year. The stage race specialist won the tough Giro d’Italia in convincing fashion this year, but the effort did not allow him to recover fully for the Tour de France. The three times Tour winner only managed to finish fifth overall, conceding defeat to Cadel Evans.
Contador has now revealed that he will return to his more traditional racing program next year and focus on la Grande Boucle. There will be one change, though; he’ll miss Paris-Nice, one of his traditional early-season events.
"The primary goal is the Tour de France. The first part of the season I’ll ride Tirreno-Adriatico, Tour of Catalonia and the Basque Country Tour. Then I’ll ride the [Critérium du] Dauphine and Tour. We must see about the Vuelta [a España], but it is an option," said Contador.
He has opted to give the Giro a skip next year which seems wise, especially since the Tour de France has been moved forward by a week, because of the Olympic Games.
"I think the Giro is the most beautiful races that exist, at least in relation to the route. The Vuelta was spectacular this year, and it caught many fans’ attention. We do not have the interest that is in the Tour and Giro, but they work hard on the routes and make them better and better."
However, Contador’s participation in cycling next year is not guaranteed. He tested positive for clenbuterol in the 2010 Tour de France and the case is yet to be resolved. The Court of Arbitration will hear the matter in November and make a final ruling on whether to suspend him or not.
Despite previously stating he would retire if suspended, the 28 year old says he still sees a long future in the sport, providing he can still ride at his high level.
"I see myself competing for 5 to 6 years, but one should also be able to perform each year. In these years, I want to give 100%."
Contador is well known for racing to win each event he takes part in. This year he won Vuelta a la Region de Murcia, Volta Ciclista a Catalunya and the individual time trial in the Vuelta Castilla y Leon. He also won two stages in the Giro en route to his overall victory.