Alberto Contador unable to beat Joaquim Rodriguez in Vuelta Mountains and looks toward the Rain Gods
Despite his continuous efforts throughout the Vuelta a Espana 2011, Alberto Contador of Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank has not been able to break Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver’s lead at the overall classifications.
Both the cyclists finished the 16th stage of the race with a difference of not more than 2 seconds amongst themselves.
Dario Cataldo of Team Omega Pharma-Quickstep finished the race in the first position with Thomas De Gendt of Team Vacansoleil-DCM pro Cycling finishing second.
Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver claimed the third position with his compatriot Alberto Contador achieving the fourth position.
“I didn’t feel good this morning so I told the team we’d switch tactics, and rather than try and control the race throughout, ,” Alberto cited after the race.
“It could be. Rodriguez is in the form of his life, for sure, and maybe it’s a bit tough for me to find that little extra gear that makes all the difference. The attacks didn’t work out, but I hope people have enjoyed the show”.
“But a rainy day would suit me better. We’ve been having lots of good weather with lots of sun. The rain could be my ally”.
Contador is desperately in need of a victory, which will be his first of the season, since the Court of Arbitration for Sport disqualified him from all the previous victories after the Tour de France 2010.
However, overcoming Rodriguez will not be an easy task. Especially, after his tremendous form at mountains, he is a definite favourite to fill his bag with an overall victory at the third and the last Grand Tour of the 2012 season.
The 33-year-old’s victories this year include a second overall position at the Giro d’Italia and the Tour of the Basque Country, along with two stage victories during both the events.
He has already grabbed three stages at the ongoing Vuelta a Espana 2012 and is leading the final general classifications since 13 regular stages.
Rodriguez is leading the category with a healthy margin of 28 seconds over Alberto Contador, while Alejandro Valverde Belmonte is further behind at the third position.
The battle for the ultimate victory between the two Spaniards will be decided later as we approach towards the final stages of the Vuelta a Espana 2012.
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