Contador will return to action next Sunday in the Criterium Dauphiné where he will seek to fine- tune his form before the Tour de France.

"I'm training like a madman," he told reporters on Sunday according to Biciciclismo, in order to be able to combat Chris Froome in the French grand tour. Contador also confirmed that he will prepare "thoroughly" for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and that there is a "high probability" that he will participate in this year’s Vuelta a España.

In a meeting with journalists in Cuenca on Saturday, Contador revealed important aspects of his season and his change of teams for next year.

Offers

Until recently, it was generally believed that the current season would be Contador’s last but the multiple grand tour conqueror has had a change of hearts and is now looking to continue his illustrious career. Without going into specifics, Contador unveiled some of his thoughts with regards to his future.

"At present, there is much movement in the market. We are mulling a thousand options. Two months ago, I decided I was going to continue in cycling because I really enjoy what I do; now I have spent three concentrated weeks in a room of 20 square meters on the top of a mountain [in Teide] and time has just flown by, and that's a good sign. We have different possibilities and I'm really happy because most of the offers are very attractive.”

Ready for the Tour

"I have spent three weeks in Teide to concentrate one hundred percent, isolated from the world, solely to prepare for the Tour. The last adjustments will be made in the Dauphiné, where I will face rivals like Froome. So far, things are going pretty well. My preparation is going well, I have not had any setbacks and winning the Tour of the Basque Country significantly boosted my morale."

Contador has no illusions, however, and realizes that he will face some tough opposition on the roads of France.

"Everyone will be in good condition. Froome often makes the difference in the first week, or rather early in the race, and then looks a little less impressive, especially during the last week. With Nairo Quintana it is quite the opposite, he seems to be a slow starter who ends the last week on a strong note. They are the two strongest rivals and we have to be aware of them. However, I’ve been in good shape this season and that always gives you confidence."

Shortly after the conclusion of the Tour de France, Contador will, in all likelihood, be part of Spain’s Olympic team that will look for glory on an undulating course in Rio de Janeiro.

"The course definitely catches my attention. Seeing that it is a route suited to climbers, that motivates me. I think we have a very strong team, with five riders who can be in the lead, and I think it will be a good Olympics for Spain. I go to prepare thoroughly and then we will see what we can do."

Vuelta participation still possible

The accumulation of the Criterium Dauphiné, the Tour and the Olympics makes up a congested race itinerary for Contador. However, he did not exclude his participation in this year’s Vuelta.

"The Vuelta may be in my calendar. That is a novelty that will prove very challenging because we started [this season] very strong, now comes the Tour and I will be at the Olympics in Rio, then there is little time to prepare for the Vuelta. However, I think there’s a high probability that I will be at the Vuelta.”