What do you think about the rules of the UCI to do surprise tests on the bikes?

It’s OK to do controls on the bikes so we will be all equal, but I don’t give great a importance to this because I don’t think anyone has ever used a motor.

Do you reach the 2010 Tour with a bigger confidence than in the past?

This year I have had good results, but it was also the same in 2009. This year I have great confidence in my team because I know that everybody will manage everything for me, but last year I was also feeling confident.

Are you afraid of this first race week?

It will be a very mouving week, I don’t know yet what will be the result, but we have a first stage of wind in Holland very, very dangerous, next day is like a classic and finally we have the pavé. There are three stages in which there may be differences even more importants than in the mountains.

What are you waiting for Armstrong this year, do you think is he stronger than in 2009?

I think it is a major rival. There is a group of 10 or 12 riders with a chance of winning and he is among them. He has shown a good shape in pre-Tour races and will be very motivated.

What is your relationship with Vinokourov, can it happen like last year with Armstrong?

My relationship with Vino is excellent, with high confidence and there won’t be anything like what happened last year.

Last year there were difficulties regarding the unity of the team, how important is this unity?

The team unity is very important always, but especially in the Tour and in and out of competition, because it is a month away from home, continuous coexistence and a good unity is essential to perform better.

After the 2009 Tour you said you’d never admired Armstrong, has changed it now?

I think there were things said that were not true. I have admired Lance as the great champion he is and I still do.

Which team is stronger, the 2009 or 2010?

One thing is obvious, that because names and experience the 2009 team was stronger, but I’m happy with this one, I know they will do everything possible to win and for me this is enough.

Does the route of this Tour disqualifies non-climbers for victory?

The last week is still very far, but will mark the overall. On this first week some can lose their chances, but at the end the climbers will be ahead. Pyrennes of this year are harder than in the last many years.

You have won twice with Bruyneel, who has more advantage now of knowing the other?

I think I’ve more advantage than him. He knows me as a rider, but in recent years I have not shown too many weakness. Instead I have learned a lot from his way of thinking and managing the race, I think I have advantage.

This interview is from Team Astana press conference with Alberto Contador of Team Astana. We have not edited it in anyway so please excuse any English grammar errors.

How much time would you accept losing in the pavé?

I don’t think about the lost of time, that’s not the best way to start well.

What are the most dangerous rivals for this stage?

There are two very powerful teams in relation to the general classification, the Saxo and RadioShack, they can be very dangerous.

Will you use the yellow jersey tomorrow and do you believe you can win the time trial?

No, the rules does not allow it since last year and, about to win, this course is not the best for me, is totally flat and without curves that could favor the changes of rithm. It is better for specialists like Martin, Cancellara, Millar or Wiggins, I’ll try to take some advantage over other rivals for the overall.

What is the strategy of Astana in the stage of the pavé, will you accept to lose time to avoid a crash?

I have been very lucky to have a teacher like Van Petegem on the pavé and I learned more in one day than in my whole life. The strategy will be to be well placed and look at the rivals. Will be better If I can be ahead, and, of course, it is important to prevent crashes, because 1 minute of delay can be recovered, but a crash can cost you the race.