Watching Alberto Contador at work on the finish line in Aprica, it is clear that the Spanish is a great professional even with the microphone in handSuper focused. Precise as he was when he trained. Meticulous in giving explanations and interpretations. When you talk to him, you understand that This world still has it on him and the desire to run has never left him. And then, seeing Valverde pass by at the end of the stage, which he finished in fifth place, you understand that These giants truly have a special spirit and only physical failure puts an end to careers that deserve to be eternal.People know this, so much so that they cheer him on with the same enthusiasm they reserve for the riders in the race.
"It's nice to be here," says Alberto, "in the end It helps to calm my desire to compete a littleYou are in touch with the race, a feeling that I am immersed in every day also with the team, the Eolo-KometaIt's nice, I like it. I can stay in the atmosphere a bit from different points of view».
What is this role like at Eurosport?
It's a pleasure that they asked me to be there for another year. It allows me to continue enjoying this sport. Furthermore, seeing the commitment they're putting in, even by acquiring the rights to the men's and women's races, makes me think that good times are coming for cycling.
How do you experience days like this?
In a special way, because in the end In these places I lived some of the most important days of my life, which marked meBut on the other hand, I try to disconnect. I try to tell myself: "Alberto, that moment is over, now you're doing other things." It's the way to calm down the desire for competition a little.
It's difficult?
Sometimes yes, especially in some stages like this one.
You've already spoken twice about a desire for competition.
I've always said that you can't go from doing 200 kilometers a day to a sedentary lifestyleSo I made a commitment to go out cycling 3-4 times a week. But I hadn't considered the psychological aspect. Mentally disconnecting was the hardest part.
What do you think of this Giro?
I like it, a very enjoyable Giro for spectators, but my feeling is that the riders are very tired. I believe that the high temperatures of this Giro d'Italia have meant they've spent more than usual. And days like this are barbaric (the Spanish way of highlighting the difficulty of a route, with a heroic connotation, ed.), with 5.000 meters of elevation gain. They've been very strong, and tomorrow (today for those reading, ed.) a new complicated stage awaits themI think it's a great Giro.
Nobody expected it to be so hot.
The most special thing about the Giro is that it is a race experienced more daily than the Tour or the Vuelta. The rider knows he has to adapt as much as possible to the weather conditions, it practically becomes a kind of survival. But no one expected to find two weeks so hot.
Has Carapaz already won?
Not yet. Hindley, Landa and Almeida are among the main candidates. I believe that Richard He has the situation fairly under control. But neither Bora, nor Bahrain, nor Almeida will make it easy for him.
Do you think the Verona time trial will be decisive?
I don't think so.
