Alberto Contador’s confidence grows after second summit finish of Vuelta

After losing some time to his GC rivals on the first summit finish of the race, Alberto Contador showed better form yesterday with a solid final ascent on the fourth stage of the Vuelta a España. On the second uphill finish of the race, Tinkoff’s leader remained with the other GC contenders as the road climbed to the finish line atop the Alto Mirador Veixia, an 11.2km final test to the stage.

With the day’s early breakaway staying clear in front, the GC group was gradually whittled down by a fast pace set on the front, and by the final push for the line the group was down to just 15 riders. On the day, Contador came over the line in 23rd position, moving down one place to 13th on GC.

“The final climb was made complicated by the wind that was blowing hard and although I felt my form well I wouldn’t say it was perfect,” explained Contador after the finish. “However, it is important to recover and keep putting efforts in.”

“The next important day is stage 8 with its very demanding finish. Our bodies will be more into race mode and we will see there how my legs respond. I came to the Vuelta without an optimal preparation because I didn’t have enough time, but I feel confident that in the coming days I will be able to give more.”

Directeur Sportif Steven De Jongh gave his feedback after the stage, saying: “It was a pretty straightforward stage today, with no problems for Alberto or the team. The boys worked hard to put Alberto in position ahead of the final climb and overall it was a better day than yesterday.

“The last climb was irregular, with steep sections before a descent then climbing again. There was some wind on the final climb could have played a factor as it was quite exposed but that worked out OK.”

Today’s stage is a steadier profile with the only climb to report being a third category ascent just after the mid-point of the 171.3km stage. The rolling route should provide the sprinters with another chance for victory.