PRESS RELEASE – TEAM ASTANA

Team Astana’s Alberto Contador took an early season-victory by winning the 4th stage in the Tour of Algarve (Portugal), a 33.7 kilometer individual time trial in Tavira. On a long and challenging route between Castro Marim and Tavira, Contador was 33 seconds faster than Sylvain Chavanel . Team Astana’s Andreas Klöden finished third, 33 seconds behind. Overnight leader (with two seconds) Toni Colom finished tenth and lost 1:27. Albert Contador leads the GC now with 1:06 to Sylvain Chavanel and 1:07 to Ruben Plaza.

“This victory comes earlier than expected, that’s why I am so happy”, said Alberto Contador after his first victory of the season. “I really wanted to win to thank my teammates for the fantastic job they did for me yesterday. It really went well. After 17 K, I passed Rubén Plaza and could maintain my rhythm. I think I made a good choice to do this race. Nice weather and challenging roads. It is ideal to start the season.”

“As the course tackled a steep climb midway through the race, as well as other small climbs, it was clear that only the fittest riders could perform well”, said Team Director Demol. “A rider like Andreas Klöden always has some difficulties in his first race of the season. Here he proved that his winter preparation was more than good. The whole Team worked hard the last months. The Team has had a very good weekend with victories both in Europe and the US. Though both Teams are now in the GC lead, we will need to work hard to defend the jersey.”

Result Stage 4 Tour of Algarve: Castro Marim – Tavira, ITT 33.7 K

1 Alberto Contador (Astana) 44:05; 2 Sylvain Chavanel 0:33; 3 Andreas Klöden (Astana) 0:36; 4 Tiago Machado 0:50; 5 Ruben Plaza 0:59; 6 Tony Martin 1:04; 7 Bert Grabsch 1:11; 8. Ignatas Konovalovas 1:12; 9 David Millar 1:18; 10 Toni Colom 1:27

GC

1 Alberto Contador (Astana) 14:48:18; 2 Sylvain Chavanel 1:06; 3 Ruben Plaza 1:07; 4 Tiago Machado 1:08; 5 Andreas Klöden 1:09; 6 Toni Colom 1:23; 7 Tony Martin 1:57; 8 Simon Gerrans 2:02; 9 Alejandro Marque 2:08; 10 David Millar 2:11

Photo by: CorVos Pro