Pleased with this season’s spectacular performances of the 31-year old Spaniard, Tinkoff-Saxo manager Bjarne Riis claimed that Alberto Contador is currently in the best form since he has joined the Danish squad in 2011, and even though he still expects Christopher Froome (Team Sky) to be the man to beat at the Tour de France 101st edition, he also believes that his leader will make up for last year’s disappointments.

In fact, Contador was very consistent throughout the 2013 season, but never managed to reach his top disposition which prevented him from competing in the Tour at the level everyone used to, and concluded the year with a maiden victory, a stage won in the opening Tour de San Luis, on his account.

Right after his ill-fated 2013 Tour de France campaign came to an end, hugely disappointed Tinkoff-Saxo leader promised to immediately turn all his attention to thorough preparations for the next edition of the French grand tour race and this season’s performances suggest that the 31-year old Spaniard really did his homework.

Riis admits that Contador was highly motivated following last year’s disappointments and respectable results recorded from the very beginning of the 2014 season are a result of very solid preparations done during the winter break. He also confirmed that the 31-year old Spaniard is back to his best level, probably for the first time since he has join the Danish squad in 2011.

“I think he’s reached a good level. There’s been a lot of hard work and it’s been nice to follow. There’s a lot of determination and I’m happy to see him back to that level. I think this is the best I’ve seen him since he came to the team. It’s hard to compare but he’s definitely strong,” Riis told Cyclingnews.
 

“Some years are good, and some years are less good. He had some tough years but he’s had a good winter and has a good programme. For us it’s just important that he’s at a good level and that he’s up there where we want to see him.”

Contador kicked off his 2014 season with a runner up spot to Michał Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) at the Volta ao Algarve, followed by emphatic victories at the Tirreno-Adriatico and Vualta al Pais Vasco, separated by another second place taken at the Volta a Catalunya.

However, the Tinkoff-Saxo manager claims that his last showing in the individual time trial of the Basque event was the most important in regards to building the self-confidence of the 31-year old Spaniard, as Contador – once excellent against the clock, struggled hard last seasons with consistency in that discipline.

“It was important to see the one he did in Pais Vasco. That was crucial for him, mentally, that he was up there and really strong. That has maybe been the most important thing this year because he needed that, to show to himself that he could do it.” 

Despite all the excellent results posted by Contador from the beginning of 2014 season, Riis still insists that Froome will be the man to beat in July. He also expects Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) to be a tough contender for the Tour de France title following his best ever spring campaign.

“He was among the favourites last year and he’s going to be among them this year, “ Riis said in relation to the Tour de France.

“Froome obviously the big favourite and the man to beat, there’s no doubt about that but there will be some other guys. Valverde is doing good.”