Contador expects tough Yorkshire test
Print Edition
TOUR de France contender Alberto Contador admitted he was surprised at how tough tomorrow’s second stage around Yorkshire in England appears.
The 31-year-old has only seen the route from York to Sheffield on video but said the numerous short, steep climbs will make it an unexpected early difficulty that could see some overall challengers lose time.
“I have seen a video of this stage, it will be very tricky and there could be time gaps between the riders,” he said at a pre-race press conference in Leeds yesterday.
“You have to consider that wind can also play a very important role. There are many climbs for a second day stage, it will be very tough and tricky so I hope to have good legs that day.”
The two-time former winner, widely expected to be reigning champion Chris Froome’s main rival, said Wednesday’s stage five that goes over the cobblestones usually reserved for Paris-Roubaix will also prevent some challenges.
Earlier, sprint king Mark Cavendish warned that nothing is guaranteed in cycling after being installed as hot favorite to claim the yellow jersey after the opening Tour de France stage in Harrogate, North Yorkshire today.
The 29-year-old, third on the all-time list for stage wins in the Tour de France, has never worn the leader’s jersey despite enjoying 25 victories that have helped make him a household name.
It would be fitting if he were to achieve it on in his mother Adele’s home town and where his grandparents still live, but Cavendish tried his best to play down expectations during a news conference on Thursday.
“There are always things that go right and wrong in the Tour de France — success is not a given,” he told reporters.
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