For the second year running, Alberto Contador has started his season with second place overall at Paris-Nice and Volta a Catalunya. The 34-year-old finished 15th on the seventh and final stage of the Spanish race as he continues his preparation for the Tour de France with his current focus on form over wins.
Contador's result, his third runner-up result in four years at the Volta, is the second time in 2017 he has finished second to Alejandro Valverde following Ruta de Sol in February. However the 1:01 minute margin was more substantial than the one second loss to Valverde in in Andalucía.
"Today has not been a walk at all, perhaps if it was seen on television," said Contador of the stage, won by Valverde. "It was a very, very demanding stage in which we wanted to try our options with Jarlinson Pantano, who has always been working for me. We have been very close to the victory with him."
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Contador and his Trek-Segafredo teammates were on the back foot in the bid for the overall after the stage 2 team time trial. While Contador had Pantano for support in the mountains, the Spaniard explained that Movistar's team was simply too good across the week of racing as reflected in the results.
"It has not been possible to win because Movistar has been very strong in all areas and we have to congratulate them. But I am very happy with my performance at this beginning of the season even though we have made many second places. I prefer to have these second places than to get victories and maybe not have the same level. The victories will come sooner or later; we are well placed in the WorldTour ranking, which is also important for the team."
Contador's next goal is the defence of his Pais Vasco title in early-April where he is looking to continue working with his new teammates. Should Contador win the race, he will move above José Antonio González with a new record of five overall victories.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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