Attacking during the first part of the Tour de France was almost impossible, last year’s winner Carlos Sastre said on Monday.
The Spaniard, in 16th place overall and nearly three minutes behind leader Rinaldo Nocentini, was content to keep his powder dry during the three Pyrenees stages.
Asked why he did not try his luck in the summit finish at Arcalis on Friday, the Cervelo rider said: “The cemetery is full of brave men.â€
Hot favourite Alberto Contador produced a telling surge two kilometres from the finish on the seventh stage to stamp his authority on the race.
Sastre built his surprise triumph last year on a stunning attack on the ascent of the Alpe d’Huez and knows he still has time to make his move.
“In nine days, there has not been a lot of … Details
Lance Armstrong has the strength to win his personal duel with Astana team mate Alberto Contador, another of the race’s main contenders, Andy Schleck said on Monday.
“Armstrong is very, very strong and he’s very lean,†the younger of the Schleck brothers, and best young rider in last year’s Tour, said of the seven-times Tour champion.
“He has the engine to win the Tour. A lot of riders focus more on Contador, but Armstrong has a good card to play.
“If one day he has the chance to take some time, he won’t miss it. And then he will be very hard to catch,†the 24-year-old Luxembourg climber told reporters on the rest day in Limoges.
Schleck, the leader of the Saxo Bank team, was unable to react when Contador attacked on the final climb to Arcalis, in Andorra, on Friday, but he does not believe the 2007 Tour winner has the race wrapped up…Â Details
Lance Armstrong says he could be back for one more Tour de France.
The 37-year-old Texan, who is competing in the Tour for the first time since 2005, was asked by a French TV interviewer if this will be his last one.
“Probably not. Probably not,†Armstrong said on France-2 after Sunday’s ninth stage. “Maybe one more Tour.â€
The seven-time champion, who is riding for the Astana team without salary this year, has previously hinted he may launch his own team next season…Â Details
France’s Pierrick Fedrigo won the ninth stage of the Tour de France, a 160.5-km trek from St Gaudens to Tarbes on Sunday.
Italy’s Franco Pellizotti was second and Spain’s Oscar Freire third… Details