Flight Of The Contador As He Takes Lead Of The Tour of Spain
ANGLIRU, Spain, Sept 13, 2008 - Spain’s 2007 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador of Astana took the lead of the Tour of Spain after winning the 13th stage here on Saturday.
The 25-year-old finished the 209-kilometre (129.6-mile) mountain stage from San Vicente de la Barquera to Angliru in 5hr 52min 35sec, followed by compatriot Alejandro Valverde of Caisse d’Epargne in 42sec with his teammate Joaquim Rodriguez taking third at 58sec.
Contador attacked during the final five kilometres of the stage to jump from third place to the overall lead and is now 1 minute and 7sec ahead of his US teammate Levi Leipheimer who finished in fourth place.
“I have thought of this victory since the beginning. There are few arrivals like this one, its mythical,” said Contador, who also won this year’s Giro d’Italia.
“Up until now I have been on the attack, from now on I am going to defend my lead,” added Contador who is seeking to become the first rider to win all three major Tours since Frenchman Bernard Hinault.
This year’s Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre came in fifth place, 1 minute and 32 seconds behind the leader.
“It was a tough climb. I am not in such good shape as Contador. I am losing the chance to win,” he said.
Spanish rider Igor Anton of Euskaltel Euskadi, an early favourite, dropped out of the race after breaking his left collarbone in a fall on the Puerto del Cordal mountain descent. He had been in sixth place in the overall standings.
Earlier reports had indicated he had broken his left wrist in the fall.
The race continues on Sunday with a 158.4-kilometre ride between Oviedo and the Fuentes de Invierno Ski Resort that includes three third category climbs at the start.
The Vuelta finishes in Madrid on September 21. Last year’s champion, Russia’s Denis Menchov, is not competing.
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