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Contador: Tour was difficult
2009-07-25 20:07
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Moments of self-doubt (Gallo)
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France - Alberto Contador said he experienced moments of self-doubt on this year's Tour de France, even though he easily dominated his rivals to lock up the race on the punishing slopes of the Mont Ventoux in Saturday's penultimate stage.
The Spaniard thrust his right fist in the air as he crossed the finish line and heads to Paris with victory all but assured on Sunday.
"This Tour has been very difficult," the 2007 Tour winner said. "Even if it could have looked easy from the spectators' point of view, there have been some moments when I doubted... victory."
Juan Manuel Garate of Spain won Saturday's 167km Stage 20 from Montelimar to Mont Ventoux, culminating with a 21.1km ride up the very steep ascent. Lance Armstrong is likely to finish third in the race.
Andy Schleck, who retained second overall, crossed third, 38 seconds back - in the same time as Contador. Armstrong was fifth, 41 seconds behind Garate, and Frank Schleck was sixth, 43 seconds back.
Overall, Contador leads Andy Schleck by 4:11, and Armstrong is 5:24 behind. Bradley Wiggins of Britain is fourth, 6:01 back, and Frank Schleck is fifth - 6:04 behind the Spaniard.
"Today was a difficult day," Contador said. "I had to control Andy Schleck and I managed to do it. He attacked several times, he was enjoying a good day too. But I was able to resist. I knew that every minute that went by was bringing me closer to a Tour de France victory."
The Tour ends Sunday in Paris after a largely ceremonial ride on a flat stage that traditionally doesn't feature any breakaway attempts.