Contador wins in Argentina

Wed, 25 Jan 21:52:00 2012

Alberto Contador won his first race of the year in the mountain stage of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina.

2012 Alberto Contador - 0

Three-time Tour de France champion Contador beat GC rival Levi Leipheimer (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) at the end of the 168.2km stage from Estancia Grande to Mirador del Portero which featured an eight kilometer long uphill finish.

Miguel Ángel Rubiano (Androno-Giocattoli) took third place in the stage, five seconds behind, ahead of Stefan Schumacher from Christina Watches-Onfone.

Saxo Bank’s Contador took the overall lead off Francesco Chicchi (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) who won the first two stages in sprint finishes.

Saxo Bank sports director Philippe Mauduit said: ”It was a perfect day for us with total control. Going towards the first climb we were in the first line and we put Jesus (Hernandez) in the breakaway in the climb and gained control of the pack on the descent and reeled in the escapees before launching Alberto (Contador) on the final ascent.

"He was superb. Naturally, he's not going to be in shape for the Tour just now but still he's the best. It was simply a great feeling watching him take off and take that first season win and we'll try to defend the leader's jersey."

Stage Four is a time trial over 19 kilometers.

The sixth edition of the seven-stage race has attracted five ProTour and seven Pro Continental teams.

Eurosport

Comment 1 - 17 of 17

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  1. matt 0 Leipheimer won the time trial without a­ problem. Whatcha gotta to say now. Levi is a class act­ however we know about u american haters over here. TDF­ 1 levi 2 tom d 3 chris horner. Go America.

    From Mark S, on Fri 27 Jan 6:34

  2. and the decision is ?&^%$? Saxobank can make their­ own decision....
    Somehow Riis and Contador seems like­ a successful natural enhacing fit...

    From Shiek, on Fri 27 Jan 6:34

  3. Only 20 negative votes, im suprised so small

    From Bobcha, on Fri 27 Jan 5:38
  4. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    He's still as dirty as that american liar..feel so­ sorry for the runner up, that never got the true glory­ of winning the tour..he should've been jailed!

    From dave, on Fri 27 Jan 3:26

  5. Go beefcake!

    From Misi, on Fri 27 Jan 2:30

  6. Racing in Mexico, I would assume the riders would all­ be vegetarians or have a competition to see who could­ register the highest clenbuterol reading and be­ acquitted. But don't think it's such an issue­ in Argentina.

    From Maxx92, on Fri 27 Jan 2:27

  7. Wow! Cold start to they cycling season! Bobcha &­ Lua nuked for absolutely no reason. Guess someone is in­ training for the TdF thumbs down brigade already! Nice­ win by Contador. This win should help promote cycling­ in South America where football is currently king­ (queen, prince, princess, and the rest of the royal­ court too!!). Beef jokes were lame. C'mon guys. You­ have to be able to do better than that. It's been­ almost 2 years.

    From Maxx92, on Fri 27 Jan 2:26

  8. Argentina is famous for ---- yes Beef !! He won , so­ what !

    From Terry, on Fri 27 Jan 1:18

  9. Where's the beef?

    From mikeg, on Thu 26 Jan 23:51
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Nice steak to celibrate ??

    From Sparky, on Thu 26 Jan 18:52

  11. Contador. Back for good.

    From Mike, on Thu 26 Jan 18:28

  12. He's winning already? @#$%.. And he said he's­ only in Argentina to get in shape.

    From Bruno M, on Thu 26 Jan 12:23
  13. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    There is no question that Contador is the best. But­ there are other questions (which don't have to do­ with cheating, but with getting caught...). Perhaps­ an answer, sometime soon?

    From scotbll, on Thu 26 Jan 10:52

  14. This news will hit 5 to 6 page in a matter of time..

    From Ijan, on Thu 26 Jan 10:15

  15. Typical arrogant comments from Leipheimer regarding his­ TT credentials versus Contador's. In small races he­ may be able to match Contador, but emphasis on the­ 'small' tag. Anyway, Contador, on time and from­ the get go, the best on the summit finishes.

    From Matt O, on Thu 26 Jan 10:12

  16. I'm looking forward for a great cycling season.­ Can't wait for the Classics to start.

    From Firhat, on Thu 26 Jan 8:08
  17. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    im not suprised

    From Bobcha, on Thu 26 Jan 6:06
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