Two-time former winner Alberto Contador insisted on the rest day that the Tour de France is not over.
Chris Froome, the 2013 champion, has dominated so far and has a 3min 10sec lead over second-placed Nairo Quintana.
Contador, the 2007 and 2009 winner, is back in fifth at 4min 23sec, but he insists he hasn’t given up hopes of a Tour hat-trick.
“My legs are turning better than they were in the first Pyrenean stage, I feel good now,” said the 32-year-old Spaniard, who was wearing a T-shirt saying ‘Forza Ivan’ in support of his Tinkoff-Saxo teammate Ivan Basso.
The Italian left the Tour during the previous rest day a week ago to have surgery for testicular cancer, which he later revealed had been successful.
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“We’ll see what happens, I’ll react depending on several factors, such as the weather and my rivals,” said Contador.
“It’s a tough race, it’s complicated. But I can assure you I’m very motivated for this last week. The Tour’s not over.”
Oooh, nice shot of @MichaelValgren and @albertocontador for the #DailyDoseofValgren Enjoy the rest day, guys! pic.twitter.com/9ISMVE9DAK
— Ann_Arien (@Ann_arien) July 20, 2015
Having already won all three Grand Tours, Contador said he’s only interested in the overall victory, and not a podium finish.
“My aim at this Tour is only the yellow jersey. I came here to win — I wouldn’t be happy with a podium place.”
