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The second blog for The Yorker from the University of York Riding Club
Although it will be difficult to put aside the ambiguity of Contador’s reputation, this year’s Tour still promises much exciting racing. The dual between Contador and Andy Schleck was the highlight of last year’s race, and looks set to continue this year. As well as this there are a host of other talented riders in contention for the Podium, including Britain’s Bradley Wiggins, and in the sprints a revamped green jersey competition promises an intriguing battle. The home nation France too are anticipating a successful tour, with a select group of riders delivering results of a standard not seen by French cycling fans for a number of years.
Contador v A. Schleck
Contador and Schleck have been first and second in the previous two editions of the Tour, and it would take a brave/foolish man to bet against this trend reoccurring this year. The only thing that may change is which way round they’ll finish, as both are by far and away the most explosive clumbers in the race. Schleck last year drastically closed the gap between the two, losing by only 39 seconds as opposed to 4 minutes 11 seconds in 2009, but many believe that was down to Contador lacking form.
Though Contador’s focused attitude and natural killer instinct means it is unlikely that his ongoing drug-case is likely to affect his performance, he may not be in top physical shape after riding hard to win the Giro d’Italia in May. As well as this, Schleck will have his talented brother Frank back this year after he crashed out early in last season’s edition, which will surely give Contador more headaches and leave him vulnerable to an ambush. Also is Schleck’s favour in the lack of time trial miles this year, something Contador always has the edge in.
In spite of all this, Contador is still favourite. He has a stunning record in grand tours, winning every one of the last 6 he has entered, whereas Schleck is developing a habit of finishing second. Schleck may have improved with age, but will have to continue to in order to reach the standards Contador has set.
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