Alberto Contador dazzles at the Tour de San Luis
Spanish cycling sensation, Alberto Contador made a strong come back at the Tour de San Luis 2012. He won the 168.2 kilometre stage 3 of the race in the fastest time of 4 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds.
Levi Leipheimer, Miguel Angel Rubiano, Stefan Schumacher and Daniel claimed the second, third, fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Contador has not raced since the Tour de France 2011 and also briefed that he gained almost 7.5 kilos during the time.
However, his chase to the Mirador del Potrero tells a different story, as he cruised through the finish-line and also dominated the overall classifications.
Saxo Bank’s Director Philippe Mauduit briefed, “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”.
Second place finisher, Levi Leipheimer, also admired Contador’s efforts during the race.
He told Cyclingnews, "When Alberto put in his last attack and I was the only one with him. I pulled a lot because tomorrow's a time trial and if you gain seconds over people it means a lot".
The Spaniard is now leading the stage 3 classifications with a total time of 12:45:15. Levi Leipheimer is four seconds behind at the second position.
Stefan Schumacher currently lies on the third spot, with 19 seconds behind the race leader.
Daniel Diaz, Vincenzo Nibali and Jose Rodolfo Serpa Perez secured the fourth, fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
Contador is currently at the third position after the Mountains classifications, with a total number of 10 points in his pocket.
Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez is leading the category with 14 points. Renato Dos Santos has achieved the second spot, with 11 points to his credit.
The Spaniard is considered to be one of the best stage race cyclists of the current era. He is a top contender for the final general classifications at the Argentinean race.
The 29-year-old is still waiting for the final decision on his 2010 Tour de France doping allegation. The cyclist was tested positive clenbuterol during the race and the ruling is expected by the end of January 2012.
Tags: