First Endurance sponsored rider Alberto Contador (Astana) successfully defended his pink jersey in the 16th stage of the Giro d’Italia, an individual mountain time trial to Plan de Corones (Kronplatz) over 12.9 K. With today’s win the pink jersey is more secure on his shoulders. Yesterday Contador claimed the Maglia Rosa on the Marmolada climb. In the overall classification he now leads with 41 seconds to Riccardo Riccó, and 1.21 to Gilberto Simoni.

The terrible climb to Plan de Corones included 5.3 K sterrato – bad gravel roads touching 24 percent gradients. “It was a new experience for me,” commented Alberto Contador.  ”I had to use a 34×30 gear. It was  necessary to prevent slipping away on some parts where you could  not come out of the saddle. This morning I went to check out the climb very early. Honestly, I liked what I saw. This was something for a real climber like me. After my performance of yesterday, I was more confident before the start of the race than I had been at  the start of Sunday’s stage. Plus today I did not have any technical problem like I did yesterday when I had to do the Marmolada climb with a defective wheel.”

Alberto Contador continues to surprise the cycling world. “I am surprised as well,” claims the Maglia Rosa.  “I am happy that I have reached this level with the poor preparation I had. Fortunately, the weather is not too good here. That helps me.”

After tomorrow’s rest day there are still a few difficult stages.  “The Giro is not over yet. I am glad that riders like Di Luca, Bruseghin and Menchov lost time, but I have to stay awake for Simoni and Riccó. In theory the final time trial suits me better than them, but some other stages still can put me in difficulties.  Especially the stage with the Mortirolo can be dangerous.  Fortunately, I have a strong team. I strongly belief that they all will work for the same goal: bringing that pink jersey to Milano.”

For Astana Cycling Team, it is once again a super week. Besides the performances in the Giro d’Italia, the team won the team classification in the Volta a Catalunya. Astana Cycling Team increased their number one position in the ProTour Team Classification.

Result 16th stage:

1. Franco Pellizotti; 2. Emanuele Sella 0.06; 3. Gilberto Simoni 0.17; 4. Alberto Contador (AST) 0.22 

General Classification after Stage 16:

1. Alberto Contador (AST); 2. Riccardo Riccó 0.41; 3. Gilberto Simoni 1.21