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Alberto Contador back in winning form for Stage 4 of the Volta ao Algarve

  • Ron 

contador-volta-ao-algarveIt was all or nothing for Tinkoff-Saxo’s Alberto Contador on today’s fourth stage of Volta ao Algarve. Being second overall with a time gap of 32 seconds to the leading rider, Michael Kwiatkowski (Omega-Pharma Quick Step) was not enough to keep the Spaniard satisfied so there was nothing to do but attack.

And Contador demonstrated brilliant form as he launched a solo attack on the uphill finish on Alto do Malhao and no one was able to keep up with the high pace even though world champion, Rui Costa followed him closely and race leader Michael Kwiatkowski lost 10 seconds to the fast-going Spaniard.

Naturally, Tinkoff-Saxo DS, Philippe Mauduit was happy about experiencing the first win of the season from team car:

“Not only Alberto but the whole team did an amazing job today and started putting on the pressure with 45 kilometers to go. At the foot of the uphill finish, only 8 riders were left in the first group and Alberto put the icing on the cake by pulling away on the final kilometer to take a stunning win. As a said this a victory for the whole team but also indicates that Alberto is in better shape than at the same time last year and I think that’s promising in terms looking ahead at the rest of the season.”

Of course, Alberto Contador was one big smile on the top spot of the podium after the terrific team effort and stage win:

“I’m happy because the team worked very hard and what better way to pay back than finishing with a win. My physical condition is getting better each day and the hard work during the winter now pays off. Actually, this climb was too short to make a big difference but I wanted to concentrate on the stage win rather than the overall. But I’m happy because the team really sacrificed themselves for me and when you finish the work with a win, it leaves a very good taste in your mouth,” said Alberto.

He is now 16 seconds away from the overall lead behind Michael Kwiatkowski.

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