Alberto Contador's (Astana) decision to race the Spanish time-trial championships as a way to test out his new prototype bike from Trek as well as to polish off his time trialling has many worried, including defending champion Luis-Leon Sanchez (Caisse d'Epargne). The Spaniard rode strongly in the Dauphine-Libere without hurting himself much, and is widely regarded as the number one rider next month.
On the subject of Astana, Lance Armstrong was quoted last week in saying that he could not sit in front of an interview and say that he had no ambition to win an eighth Tour de France. Many Americans might tout him as the favourite, but Contador still has to be the number one choice.
Armstrong said, of course, that the team would support the strongest rider, namely Contador, to the win, but Armstrong will surely have his fire stoked in time for the race. While an eighth win would be unlikely, no one is counting the American out.
Liquigas leader Ivan Basso and defending Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre of Cervelo, both are sure that the Texan will be on top form and very aggressive at the Tour.
Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) is quite satisfied with his Tour preparations. In an interview today with CyclingNews, he said that he was very pleased with his form at the Dauphine-Libere, where he placed second overall to Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) for the second year running. He was confident in his long-tested time-trialling abilities as well as his newly found attacking prowess in the mountains.
The Tour de France will be a spectacular route with some interesting twists in the race. Tune in next week for a complete preview of the race.
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