Ivan Basso: Alberto Contador would have challenged Chris Froome in this Tour de France

Tinkoff technical coordinator Ivan Basso says he believes Alberto Contador would have been able to challenge Chris Froome a the 2016 Tour de France if it wasn't for his crash

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Ivan Basso says he believes his former Tinkoff teammate Alberto Contador would have been able to challenge Chris Froome for the Tour de France title this year if it wasn't for his crash on the opening stage.

Contador hit the ground hard on the first stage from Mont Saint-Michel to Utah Beach, and never looked on top form as he lost time in the next few stages and was put in particular difficulty on stage five climbs to Le Lioran.

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Richard Windsor

Follow on Twitter: @richwindy


Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.


An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).