Alberto Contador: 'I don't know what happened, I felt super weak'
The veteran Spaniard faded quickly on the final climb of stage three of the Vuelta a España and looks out of GC contention
Alberto Contador's dream Grand Tour farewell may not happen judging by the third stage to Andorra on Monday where he lost 2-33 minutes to his rivals.
The 34-year-old Spaniard of team Trek-Segafredo had planned to race on through the Giro d'Italia in 2018 but after a disappointing Tour de France, he announced the Vuelta a España, where he already won three times, would be his last race.
>>> Five talking points from stage three of the Vuelta a España 2017
"I had very bad sensations, also climbing La Rabassa [the second to last climb], I saw it already," Contador said.
"I don't know what happen to me but I felt super, super weak. Even when we went at a relatively calm pace, it was difficult to be there.
"I hope that is only a bad day, maybe because the lack of competition. The most important thing now is to recover and try to find the reason of this performance."
Contador drifted back from the group with stage winner Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) and new race leader Chris Froome (Sky) with 10 kilometres to race.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
His long-time helper Jesús Hernández dropped back, but could not pull a suffering Contador back into the action. Peter Stetina helped too, but Contador told them to think for themselves.
It could be a bad sign for the winner of the 2008, 2012 and 2014 Vuelta. He suffered as well in the Tour and changed his tactics to try to win a stage.
"Now the most important thing is to know why I had so bad day before deciding the tactics going ahead," added Contador.
"I want to enjoy this Vuelta in any case. I'm the most relaxed in my whole career in this Vuelta and I enjoying it the most I can. For sure I want to be ahead, I couldn't today, but I'll try on next days."
Contador crashed in last year's Vuelta and could not compete for the overall. However, his gutsy attack on the Formigal stage pulled along Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and isolated Froome. The move helped Quintana win the race overall ahead of Froome.
"I will not abandon this race and I will stay here to enjoy it," Contador said. "Yes, this is a huge blow, but I hope to bounce back."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Forget distance covered, these are the key stats to note in your Strava Year in Sport
We asked a coach how to best analyse our end of year Strava data
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'She should show a bit more respect' - Lotte Kopecky responds to Demi Vollering comments
The pair seemingly had one last fractious year together at SD Worx-Protime in 2024
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘I couldn’t quite believe it’ - Charlie Quarterman on his rags to riches Giro d’Italia selection
The British rider spent a year at amateur level with Philippe Wagner Cycling before heading back to the top with Corratec
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘Giving up the Giro breaks my heart’ – Trek’s Giulio Ciccone forced out of home tour by Covid symptoms
Italian was relishing leading Trek’s challenge at Giro that starts in his home region
By Peter Cossins Published
-
Lizzie Deignan to return to racing at Flèche Wallonne, is a possibility for Liège–Bastogne–Liège
Trek-Segafredo finalise roster for Wednesday's Ardennes Classic, with Deignan returning for the first time since 2021
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan: 'It’s a shame someone can’t see the value of the Women’s Tour'
The Women’s Tour’s only double winner expresses her disappointment after the cancellation of the 2023 race
By Owen Rogers Published
-
‘She said she wanted to cry’ - Elisa Longo Borghini lauds team-mate after dominant Jebel Hafeet win
The Italian duo rode clear of the peloton at the UAE Tour to take a memorable one-two
By Tom Davidson Published
-
All the 2023 kits: EF Education-EasyPost share latest collaboration with Rapha
American WorldTour team become latest to release their new 2023 kit, here's the rest
By Adam Becket Published
-
Van Vleuten confirms her superiority with Ceratizit Challenge GC victory
Elisa Balsamo takes the final stage bunch kick on the Madrid circuit after consummate work from Trek-Segafredo
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Trek-Segafredo win the Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta team time trial
Elisa Longo Borghini led the American squad home and will take the leader's red jersey into the remaining four stages
By Owen Rogers Last updated