First Endurance rider Alberto Contador (Team Astana) is the new time trial champion of Spain. Contador was the fastest rider on the 47.8 kilometer long course between Torrelavega and Cuevas de Altamira. Contador (26) was challenged by Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d’Epargne) who had the best intermediate time – one second faster than Contador – after 27 kilometer. In the second part of the race, Contador could reverse the situation. At the finish, he was 36 seconds faster than Sánchez. Ruben Plaza (Liberty Seguros) finished third, one minute and 4 seconds behind.

For the Spanish champion, it is his first gold in the event as a professional rider. As U23 rider he won the championship as well in 2002.  Earlier this season, Alberto Contador won three other time trials (in Tour of Algarve, Paris-Nice and Tour of the Basque Country).  “I  needed an extra training on my new Trek time trial bike”, commented Contador. The best way to do that is in a race. Thanks to its distance this was a good simulation of the Tour de France time trial. My preparation for the Tour is done. I cannot complain. I am ready. This was of course not only training, I really wanted this Spanish title. I had to struggle till the end to beat Luis León. I am proud to be champion of Spain. I will show the Spanish colors for the first time in Monaco in the first stage of the Tour de France.”

Result Spain Time Trial Championship (Torrelavega-Cuevas de Altamire, 47.8 K):

1. Alberto Contador (Astana) 1.04.40

2. Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d’Epargne) 0.36

3. Ruben Plaza (Liberty Seguros) 1.04

4. Francisco Mancebo (Rock Racing) 1.46