Stage 2: Sacha Modolo cheated Mark Cavendish
The 171.4 km long stage of the Argentinean race, the Tour de San Luis, started in Tilisarao and ended in Terrazas del Portezuelo. There was one categorized climb which was located on the first third of the route, and therefore was another bunch sprint at the finish. It was a group of four riders in the break, but Omega-Pharma Quick Step had the break on a short leash and did not wait for other teams help in the pursuit. With 4 km to the finish line the quartet was back into the fold. The stage looked like a repeat of yesterday, but at the last meter lap Sacha Modolo (Bardiani) went forward and snatched the victory a half bike length ahead of yesterday’s winner, Mark Cavendish (Omega-Pharma Quick Step). Saxo-Tinkoff’s Alberto Contador remained in the background and got safely across the finish line at the same time as the stage winner.
Stage 3: Team Saxo-Tinkoff pulled in vain in the Tour de San Luis
The 173.1 km long stage from La Punta to Mirador Potrero de los Funes had a third and two first category climbs. After the completion of a category-1 it was expected that climbers and especially GC riders today would show off. A break dominated the first half of today’s stage, but crumbled and with 40 kilometers left had the four escapees just a little over a minute. Just 40 riders came together at the foot of the final climb, but totally unexpected Alexandre Diniz (FUN) went on a solo attack, and no one could catch him. Saxo-Tinkoff’s Alberto Contador finished the day in 13th place with a time loss of 48 seconds and is now number 14 in the standings before tomorrow’s time trial over 19.2 kilometers. “The stage developed completely by the book, and the boys work well in front of the field. Tomorrow we are going into battle against the clock, and of course we must give it full throttle, “said Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s French sports director, Philippe Mauduit. Alexandre Diniz (FUN) leads the race overall.
Stage 4: Alberto Contador advanced to sixth place in the Tour de San Luis
A 19.2 km long and relatively flat time trial was today’s stage where the advance favorite Svein Tuft (Green Edge) lived up to expectations and pulverized its competitors. Saxo-Tinkoff’s Alberto Contador lost 55 seconds to the 8-fold Canadian champion in the discipline, but moved up to sixth overall: “Alberto was driving course, what he could, and there is a long way from top form , which is quite natural at this time of year. Tomorrow, there’s a somewhat harder stage over 170 kilometers and with a sharp mountain end, I think we will see a completely attraction finals, “said Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Philippe Mauduit after today’s stage. Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma Quick Step) is the new man in the lead.
Stage 6:
Alberto Contador won tremendous victory in the Tour de San Luis
Three categorized climbs were waiting for today’s 156 km long 6h stage of the Tour de San Luis from Quines to Mirador del Sol. The finish line was located on top of a 7 km climb with an average pitch of more than 8.
The five escapees were caught by the field led by Team Saxo-Tinkoff which caused a frantic finale between race leader riders. Team Saxo-Tinkoff continued to put pressure on the chase and in the first half the race exploded into several pieces. In the final attempt Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Alberto Contador several times tried to break free from his companions. No one could match his surge, and he took an absolutely beautiful stage win.
“The whole team worked very hard to prepare for finals for Alberto. They sett a fast pace in the first half of the mountain, where Alberto was relentless. He really showed iron will in his attempt to break free, and no one could match his will to win.
A great victory for Alberto and the team, “said a delighted Team Saxo-Tinkoff sports director Philippe Mauduit. Saxo-Tinkoff’s Alberto Contador revealed a special motivation to win: “I am particularly pleased on the team’s behalf. They have worked extremely hard for me – not just today, but throughout the week. To have teammates like them is pure luxury. In fact, they motivated me throughout the week by telling me over dinner that they had better get something in return for their efforts. Luckily today I gave them back as they deserved. ” Contador is now fourth in the overall accounting, where Daniel Diaz (SLS) is the leading rider.