Road: Contador Takes Over the Tour

Astana’s Alberto Contador put to rest any remaining speculation about who the strongest rider in the tour is, racing his new 6-Series Trek Madone to a Stage 15 victory and, more importantly, into the overall Tour leader’s maillot jaune.

“Today was a real liberation for me after all the pressure,” noted Contador. “I needed this one today. Last night my only dream was to have good legs. Even though I knew I was in good condition, I always have small doubts in my mind about my rivals. It's certainly not over—not over at all—but it's a nice step in the right direction.”

The first summit finish since Stage 7’s run up the Andorre Arcalis, Stage 15’s ascent to Verbier was tipped as a Stage that would separate the GC hopefuls from the true GC contenders. Alberto Contador didn’t disappoint, attacking an elite group with 5.7 km to go. No one could respond to the Spanish Champ’s acceleration, and Contador rode alone to the finish, the victory, and the Tour’s overall lead.

Contador’s teammate Lance Armstrong didn’t fare quite as well as the 2007 Tour winner, finishing the stage in 9th place, 1:35 down.

“Well, it was hard, everybody was at their limit,” said Armstrong. “I definitely did suffer. It was very, very hard. I don't have the acceleration that Alberto or Andy [Schleck] has. I'm proud of him [Contador]; he rode great.”

With a difficult third week ahead, this year’s Tour is by no means over. But that said, Alberto Contador has shown himself as the rider to beat, and Astana's mission is clear.


General Classification after Stage 15:

1. Alberto Contador
2. Lance Armstrong +1:37
3. Bradley Wiggins +1:46