The search for his first win in Trek-Segafredo colours goes on but Alberto Contador at least showed that he is an improving force in this year's Paris-Nice. The former Tour de France winner was the second strongest rider on stage 7, finishing 21 seconds down on the day's winner, Richie Porte (BMC Racing).
The result moved Contador up to third overall, just a slender second off Dan Martin's (QuickStep Floors) second place. Not a bad return considering Contador started the day outside the top five after a subdued performance on the stage to Fayence.
"Today was a hard stage. The first part was easy but on the last two climbs we went really fast. Today I felt better and felt good in the group," he said as he climbed off the rollers after a short warm-down.
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It was Trek Segafredo, or rather, Jarlinson Pantano, who laid the foundations for Contador's attack. The Colombian, who joined the IAM Cycling in the winter set an electric pace at the front of the peloton with 10 kilometres remaining on the Col de la Couillole and shed the lead group of a number of Contador's top-ten rivals. Tony Gallopin, Simon Yates, and race leader Julian Alaphilippe all cracked and by the time an exhausted Pantano pulled over, the leaders were reduced to Contador, Porte, Dan Martin and soon-to-be race leader, Sergio Henao.
"Pantano ... all I can say is thanks, thanks and thanks," Contador said his teammate's efforts
"He's an incredible guy and we're really good friends. He will be crucial for me, especially in July."
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