Volta ao Algarve: Contador lacking pace on Alto da Foia final

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Alberto Contador (Tinkoff) testing his legs during the stage(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)

Alberto Contador finds himself on the back foot in his bid to claim a third overall Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta title following stage 2 of the Portuguese race in which the Tinkoff rider conceded time to his overall rivals. With Tinkoff working on the front of the peloton ahead of the seven-kilometre climb up Alto da Foia, sports director Steven de Jongh explained the efforts took their toll with less support than anticipated.

"Today the team worked hard to put Alberto in a good position," said de Jongh. "It was a very tough day with a lot of wind of course, and in the finale Alberto was super. The result was not what we hoped for, and he was a bit isolated because some riders left him a bit earlier than we planned. It wasn't a top day but some of our riders did their work really well, that was good work. Tomorrow, we have a time trial and Alberto wants to have a good race. We will see how it goes."

"I think it's evident I still lack a bit of pace. In the penultimate climb I was feeling better but the finish was tough because of the strong wind. It was difficult to keep the rhythm and behind me, the group had a better pace. When the race accelerated in the final kilometer, I was unable to follow and I lost time. For me, the important aspect is that the sensations I have keep improving," Contador said.