Alberto Contador proved that he will be a real threat for Chris Froome in this year's Tour de France when the Spaniard responded to all attacks in the second stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné and finished the race on the wheel of the race leader. Despite admitting that Froome was the strongest in today's stage, the multiple grand tour winner is pleased with his form in view of his upcoming objective.

 

One year ago Alberto Contador saw his confidence being dealt a heavy blow in the first mountain stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné when he was unable to follow a superior Chris Froome. After a splendid spring season, however, the Spaniard is almost back to his best level and today he proved that he will be a much bigger rival in the Tour de France later this summer.

 

Despite repeated attacks, Froome was unable to get rid of Contador on the Cote du Beal that was the final challenge in today's second stage of the French stage race. Being clearly on his limit, however, Contador was unable to pass his British rival in the end and so had to settle for second.

 

Contador was gracious in defeat and admitted that the Sky rider had been the strongest rider in the race but also claimed to be very pleased with his own sensations.

 

"[My feedback] was very positive," he told AS. "I was much better than expected. The tactic was to focus on Froome. I didn't think about the victory. On the other hand, I was not aware that we were battling for the stage victory. During the ascent I did not realize that we had caught all escapees. 

 

"In any case, it was impossible to pass him. He is very strong at the moment, better than me. And in the time trial, one can only congratulate him. But I'm very happy with how I performed on the climb and with my condition.

 

'It's always important [to be able to respond to his attacks]. The first was very strong and very long. But I had good legs and that made it more simple.

 

"I am sorry to repeat myself, but I want to take it day by day. For the weekend I guess I have to bring my heart rate down. Today I reached 203 on the climb.

 

"I was not surprised that Kelderman, Talansky, Van den Broeck and Nibali were close to us. They are all very good bike riders."

 

On the final climb, Froome was isolated pretty early and this has led to speculation that Sky is not as strong as one year ago. However, Contador refutes that suggestion.

 

"Sky had done hard work all day to keep the break under control and they rode really fast," he said. "In the end, they paid for that effort."