Alberto Contador will start the season in Argentina
Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Alberto Contador is training in St. Luis, Argentina. Yesterday was a workout on more than more than 4 hours to take advantage of the excellent weather conditions in the region.
After lunch was a press conference for the local media with a focus on expectations for this race and why he starts the 2013 season in Argentina.
“People here have been very well against me like they were last year. It is great for me to start the season here, where there are fine opportunities to train hard and prepare myself for the season, “says Alberto.
What are your expectations for this race, and what is your plan here?
“My expectations are different from last year, because the goal is to adjust my weight since I have a few kilograms in excess. But it is normal for January. It is true that I like to compete, if I see an opportunity. I can hardly stop myself if I have diamonds in the legs, but I am a bit overweight, and when it comes to having to run up, it’s ultimately about mathematics. There are riders here who are better than me right now. Looking at my calendar, I will focus on the Tour de France. After the Tour de San Luis, I will do the Tour of Oman. A race that I did not know so well, and I will continue the season with Tirreno (I am not so familiar with). I have always raced Paris-Nice, which runs simultaneously. Then I race the Criterium International – a second race with a good reputation, and I have never participated in top form. Finally, I race the Basque Country, and then the team will analyze the possibility of whether I should run some of the classics or go to the Giro. “
What do you think of Saxo-Tinkoff’s opportunities in 2013, and the teams who come to San Luis?
“The team is in great shape. riders are excited about the 2013 season., we will have many opportunities to win. The team is stronger now, and we are well prepared. In San Luis we put a full team of four riders who are good in hilly terrain, and we have Jesus Hernandez, who is strong uphill. We are a very balanced team. “
Where will the Tour de San Luis will be won?
“The increases are not as long, so the differences will be greatest in the time trial . Among those who come in front in the mountain stages, and which is also good pace riders can be the winner. Last year, Leipheimer in great form and won. “
Who will be the winning candidate this year?
“It’s hard to say. There is an impressive list of riders. Nibali proved strong in 2012, and Dani Moreno and Purito will also be there. There are many riders like Van den Broeck or VanGarderen plus local riders who are preparing hundred percent for this race specifically, and they are really strong in the mountains “.
The race starts on January 21.
