ALBERTO Contador won his first race of the year in the mountain stage of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina. Three-time Tour de France champion Contador beat GC rival Levi Leipheimer (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) at the end of the 168.2km stage from Estancia Grande to Mirador del Portero which featured an eight-kilometre long uphill finish.
Miguel Ángel Rubiano (Androno-Giocattoli) took third place in the stage, five seconds behind, ahead of Stefan Schumacher from Christina Watches-Onfone.
Saxo Bank’s Contador took the overall lead off Francesco Chicchi (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) who won the first two stages in sprint finishes.
Saxo Bank sports director Philippe Mauduit said: ”It was a perfect day for us with total control. Going towards the first climb we were in the first line and we put Jesus (Hernandez) in the breakaway in the climb and gained control of the pack on the descent and reeled in the escapees before launching Alberto (Contador) on the final ascent.
“He was superb. Naturally, he’s not going to be in shape for the Tour just now but still he’s the best. It was simply a great feeling watching him take off and take that first season win and we’ll try to defend the leader’s jersey.”
Stage Four is a time trial over 19 kilometers, as the sixth edition of the seven-stage race has attracted five ProTour and seven Pro Continental teams.