ARMSTRONG RIDES WITH CONTADOR IN TENERIFE

Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador trained together for the first time today as the Astana team tried to play down any possible problems over leadership in the team.

The two trained separately on Tuesday, sparking speculation about their so far tense relationship but Cycling Weekly?s sources in Tenerife confirmed that the two set off together from the Playa de las Americas hotel on Wednesday morning for a training ride towards San Isidro.

On Tuesday Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel followed Armstrong in training and French directeur sportif Alain Gallopin followed Contador. Today the two were in the same team car as the riders began their ride.

According to Astana team sources, Contador rode for just an hour with Armstrong and his other team mates as he continues to recover from his recent nose operation. A much fitter Armstrong was expected to extend his ride as he continues to work on his core fitness.

Speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper after his ride on Tuesday, Armstrong played down any rivalry with Contador.

?It?s not a difficult relationship. At Astana we're professional and ride for the strongest in the team,? Armstrong said.

?He was the best in the world in 2008, while it?s not sure I?ll be as good as I was in 2004 and 2005, so if Alberto is still the strongest, we?ll support him.?

Armstrong and Contador are expected to offer a united front during a training ride open to the press on Thursday morning and in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

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