Contador: "If I can win ...".

Alberto Contador will be the main headliner of the Dauphine Libere, which begins Sunday. But the Spaniard, it's all about launching the final phase of preparation for the Tour de France, four weeks before the start of Rotterdam. The result will be secondary.

A means, not an end. The Dauphiné Libéré has just enjoyed a certain prestige in the history of cycling, its proximity to the Tour de France does nothing more than a great preparation for the big event in July. In any case when one is the main favorite of the Great Loop. True to his habit, and how Lance Armstrong a few years ago Contador discusses the Criterium without really being a target.
The Dauphiné is the ideal preparation. A playground size, exposed in context statement. With two summit finishes in Risoul and Alpe d'Huez, plus a cons-the-clock tower format, about fifty miles, the race serves as mini-Tour de France, with Alps as a main dish. Good thing, because earlier this week, Contador had gone to reconnoitre the Pyrenean stages of the Tour 2010. It will have a complete picture of what awaits. "The Pyrenees will be the justice of the race this year, "said the leader ofAstanaImpressed by the rich menu of massive South-West. "These four steps provide multiple opportunities," Judge said.

"A specific plan"
Satisfied with this recognition, Contador can now turn to the Dauphine. Last year, he had not thwarted the intentions of Alejandro Valverde in the duel that was engaging with the Murcia Cadel Evans. Neither man will be this year. The first is entangled in his stories of doping, the second lot of a grueling Tour of Italy. In these circumstances, the door seems open for Contador, third last year. If it is in a state similar to that made in June 2009 (not exceptional but already very competitive), it will be very difficult to beat. Just stay to know at what level it is exactly the time to address the coming week, as the Dauphiné is too hard to afford to one who is not ready.
On this point, the Castilian admits having himself a little uncertainty. Logical, since he has not played any race from Liege-Bastogne-Liege, at the end of April. "I realize the preparation that I wanted and I had set myself. After a long pause following the classic (note: it cut off completely for 10 days after Liege, a fairly long period of inactivity at this stage of the season), it was hard to take, but we follow a specific plan ". The next step of this plan leads the Dauphine. A step that does not demean wishes, even if it's really not an obsession. "If I win, I'll try to do it because it's a great race"He promises. Response from Sunday.