Alberto Contador (Astana) had two appointments to meet at the 6th stage of the Criterium. The first, with the Alpe d'Huez, it has not failed. The Spaniard, who had never faced in the race the 21 loops of the famous ascent, has indeed tamed the beast in crossing the finish line in mind. This is less the case for his second appointment to meet Janez Brajkovic (RadioShack), a leader with 1'41 ahead before this step. The Slovenian knew he would be expected and tested by Contador on the final climb. And it has not missed. Except that Brajkovic responded to each banderillas planted by the Spanish.
Contador quickly realized it could not cover more than the wins this Saturday. Can not take two minutes to Slovenian. This is not due to having put on 31 for his first such appointment with the Alpe: four crew at the foot of the climb, only one (Horner) for Brajkovic and after two, three accelerations felt well, junction with the last of 20 escapees of the day, Oscar Pujol (Cervelo). It is at this time nine miles of good climb for the Spaniard could release the overall leader. There will come a few times. Provisionally, Brajkovic returning each time to train.
It must be said that the two men have not been alone all the time. Szmyd (Liquigas), Vanden Broeck (Omega Pharma) and Coppel (Saur-Sojasun) came to put their two cents in the last five kilometers, forcing Contador to make the effort every time one of them tried chance. Only two kilometers from the finish a final acceleration of the Spaniard was right in those three troublemakers ... but no Brajkovic. The Slovenian, who clings to the end, is playing just the sprint to Contador. It was not really interested in winning. Finally, if one of the test. And before the last stage on Sunday is pretty well gone.
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