Contador Interview: "Radio Shack Has The Superior Team"

The head games begin. From  AS.com

[Q]  . . Your team is not as potent as last year's Astana team:

Contador: That is undeniable. Our team is not at the same level as Radio Shack. We're not at the same level as Radio Shack or Saxo Bank.On the other hand, my teammates are committed to the same goals. That is important too,although it is clear that others will have to take charge of the peloton, although my team can to a certain extent.

[Q]: Astana can not control the race?

Contador: I think no team can control the Tour from beginning to end. It's impossible to control all the circumstances. My team is limited, but I am very comfortable because I have done everything possible to be in the best possible condition for the Tour. There are other riders who need to win more than I do. There is only one Tour winner. Losing is normal. The hard part is winning.

[Q]: What is clear is that you will have no problem getting to the hotel?

Contador: Yes, I will be more comfortable and I can relax.  Also, I can ride the race in a way that is advantageous to me, as I choose.

More swipes at The Shack, Armstrong and Bruyneel, with much egging on by the interviewer, on the flip.

[Q]: Last year, Arm­strong was in charge, right?

Contador: The team time trial gave the team various options. and the general interests were defended. All options were defended .I would have preferred a faster pace. But the result was good.

[Q]: Radio Shack has a great team.

Contador: The best at the Tour, with Saxo.  RadioShack not only has great riders, they also are very experienced.. There are moments, such as at the last stage, when the team passes to be a second consideration. But there is no doubt that Armstrong starts with an impressive advantage.

[Q]: Armstrong is the one to fear though?

Contador: Of course. He is the boss and the team will work precisely as he dictates. If it does not work out,.  then they can use  Leipheimer or Klöden as options .But clearly Armstrong is the most dangerous because the object of the team is to get him the victory.

[Q]: Do you see Armstrong winning the Tour?

Contador: He is a clear candidate. Last year he was third. He has great experienced and knows how to capitalize on his opportunities and in the Tour of Switzerland he demonstrated good form.

[Q] Leipheimer and Klöden seem to be at a lower level this year?

Contador: When you get to the Tour, the situation is much different. In fact, during the Tour people ride into form.. The final time trial is very favorable to  Leipheimer if he is in contention then.

[Q]: Who is the biggest threat to you?

Contador: Based on last year, the most dangerous rival I have is Andy Schleck. But this year there are more contenders than ever. . . . More than half of the teams have contenders. Armstrong, Leipheimer, Klöden, Andy and Frank Schleck, Basso, Kreuziger, Sastre, Menchov, Gesink, Evans, Wiggins And I am sure I have forgotten a few.

[Q] And the course? You like it more or less than the 2009 course?

Contador: It depends. I think not too many people realize how difficult the first week will be. There will be multiple days of danger with tremendous tension and fear of falls and crashes. And then there is the cobbles stage, where a fall could eliminate you. You will have to try and use as little energy as possible because it all adds up.. I am conscience that these stages can be more difficult than Tourmalet.

Q: And later in the race?

Contador: I like it after the first week. The Alps will be about wearing down rather than selection. The most difficult stage will be  la Madeleine, but the finish is some distance from the summit.

Q: And the Pyrenees?

Contador: There no one will be able to hide. They are very difficult from the first day. Pailheres  is like Tourmalet, with the difference being at the bottom..

¿Q: And the long final time trial?

Contador: We'll have to see. Last year [Annecy] was long and it went well for me.. It can go well or poorly for me. it depends on how I stand when we get there.. If, for example, I am trailing Andy Schleck, it is to my advantage that it is long.