Contador is still a podium for his farewell

Photo: Jose Jordan, Agence France-Presse
The Gunslinger occupies currently the 9th place in the general classification, a little less than two minutes of the third, Ilnur Zakarin.

Laguardia (Spain) — Spaniard Alberto Contador (team Trek-Segafredo) estimated on Monday that finished on the podium of the Vuelta “will be difficult, but not impossible,” for the last race of his career.

“Obviously, it will be complicated and difficult to finish on the podium, but there are still some important steps and you will see what I can do “, stressed Alberto Contador at a press conference during the second rest day.

The Gunslinger occupies currently the 9th place in the general classification, 3 min 59 sec of the leader, the British Christopher Froome (Sky), but at a little less than two minutes of the Russian Ilnur Zakarin (KAT), third.

A test key

On Tuesday, the timed race in Logroño (north of Spain) is shaping up as one of the turning points of this Vuelta : the one-against-the-shows individual of the race (40.2 km).

Ran on a plot almost flat in the vineyards of the Rioja, it can also allow Froome to take off in the general. “This stage suits him perfectly,” admitted Contador.

“On Tuesday evening, according to the results, I’ll decide to go for the podium or to keep it to only aim for a stage win “, he explained.

Sunday, at the short 15th step (129 km), which ended more than 2500 m altitude, Contador has been a time on the podium virtual of the Vuelta.

Advantage of far, the Spanish finally lost 40 seconds on the leader of this edition 2017. “I wanted to be brave, but Sky has a very strong team,” said Contador.

“It takes nothing to regret, it is my way of running “, has philosophized the Spanish, great beat of the day with his fellow countryman David de la Cruz, who leaves the top 10.

“Regardless of the outcome, which I like in this Vuelta is to enjoy it as I take advantage of it ! It is an honour for me, ” he commented. I could not choose a better opportunity to make my farewells. This Vuelta is a gift for me. “

In addition, the Spanish cycling is in favour of a salary cap per team for 15 million euros.

“If we spend all our budget [salaries], it will become a problem to find sponsors,” he said during the same press conference during the second rest day.