Astana's woes(turned down at this July's Tour) have looked increasingly upbeat for Giro success.
Tuesday's stage 10, 39.4km Individual Time Trial gave one man a very good chance at the maglia rosa. Looking like a lion waiting to pounce, Spain's Alberto Contador was the one rider that everyone seems to fear and with good reason. He tackled the technical course with precision only to slow down as it rained. Fourth at the 9.6km check, third at the 23.4km check, first at 32.2km, lost time due to the wet road conditions, seventh best at the last check. It was good for second place just 8 secs behind stage winner, Marzio Bruseghin(Lampre).
"I lost due to the wet roads. I was sliding around too much in the finale and it was cold," Contador said. The 2007 tdf winner was so good that even with his fractured elbow, makes him a huge favorite for the overall. "My elbow? In the beginning it bother me a bit, but the further we went in the stage, the better I felt," said the Spanish climber. Astana twin, Andreas Klöden finished 3rd, twenty seconds back placing him in contention at 6th overall(7:52 back). But, Contador is licking his chops as he moves nicely into 4th, 6:59 seconds from first.
Soon the Dolomites beckon and with strong teammates, Klöden & Leipheimer beside, Contador looks good at the very least in taking the maglia rosa. Like the lion in wait, Contador's eyes widen at the thought of overall victory.
What fracture elbow?
(Top): Cruisin' Contador. Even though he rides with a fractured elbow, it doesn't stop him from a solid 2nd place!
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