Return to climbing form for Contador on uphill finish to stage 4 of Vuelta
After dropping some time to certain GC rivals on yesterday’s steep finishing climb, Alberto Contador bounced back well today with a solid final ascent to the fourth stage of the Vuelta a España.
With the day’s early breakaway staying clear in front, the GC group was gradually whittled down by a fast pace set on the front, and by the final push for the line the group was down to just 15 riders. On the day, Contador came over the line in 23rd position, moving down one place to 13th on GC.
“The final climb was made complicated by the wind that was blowing hard and although I felt my form well I wouldn’t say it was perfect,” explained Contador after the finish. “However, it is important to recover and keep putting efforts in.
“The next important day is stage 8 with its very demanding finish. Our bodies will be more into race mode and we will see there how my legs respond. I came to the Vuelta without an optimal preparation because I didn’t have enough time, but I feel confident that in the coming days I will be able to give more.”
Tinkoff’s Sport Director Steven De Jongh gave his feedback after the stage, saying: “It was a pretty straightforward stage today, with no problems for Alberto or the team. The boys worked hard to put Alberto in position ahead of the final climb and overall it was a better day than yesterday.
“The last climb was irregular, with steep sections before a descent then climbing again. There was some wind on the final climb could have played a factor as it was quite exposed but that worked out OK.”
