Alberto Contador got safely through another day in the Vuelta a Espana as he continues to rebuild his condition. The Spaniard was not surprised to see Alejandro Valverde attack in the finale but always knew that it would be a futile attempt.

 

The fourth stage of the Vuelta a Espana, arriving in Cordoba, was raced under the highest temperatures so far in the race

 

“On the bike we had temperatures of 46 and 47 degrees," Alberto Contador said. "That takes its toll and made it a demanding stage, but hey, we passed it. The team was very good and now it's time to rest and take a cold shower."

 

The stage was characterized by the attack on the last climb from Alejandro Valverde that came as no surprise for Contador

 

“An attack of Alejandro is not surprising at all," said the leader of Tinkoff-Saxo. “It's true that I thought that he would maybe have attacked earlier but I also knew it was a little crazy because it was very windy and for sure you had to spend a lot of energy. In the end we caught them."

 

Contador took a more conservative position, just waiting.

 

“Alejandro has been there, attacking, but looking at the situation it was more advisable to be on the wheel, especially with what's to come in the Vuelta. We knew that the climb was not going to break the group too much, there would be teams with riders to work, and that's how it was."

 

Finally, Contador said his leg is not getting worse. He must continue to wait before drawing conclusions.

 

“We're going day by day, I have some discomfort, but it don’t get any worse. I'm passing each day and that motivates me, but I also remain cautious."

 

"We made sure Alberto was brought in position on the climbs and that he was well-protected," sports director Steven De Jongh said. "The boys did a very good job and we had several riders in the select group at the finish line.

 

"Alberto's been away from racing for some time now and he's just getting back into the rhythm but I  think he looks good considering that fact. Tomorrow I expect a more traditional bunch sprint decision."