Many have wondered how the sacking of Bjarne Riis at Tinkoff-Saxo would affect Alberto Contador in his build up to the Giro d’Italia. The 32 year old from Spain has told Sporza he is ready to challenge for the Maglia Rosa.

“My season has started as I expected it more or less,” he added. “I could not see myself getting impressive results, like in previous years.”

“I had some trouble with two slight falls (in the Tirreno and Catalonia), but now everything is alright again. My final preparations towards the Giro went very well I’m already at my race weight.”

However, he doesn’t deny that the Dane’s departure was a surprise to him and he knew nothing about the argument between Riis and team owner Oleg Tnkov (Russia) that led to his dismissal.

“That was unexpected, but I suppose Tinkoff act in the interest of the team,” Contador told Sporza about the decision.