"A great day for Spanish cycling" - Alberto Contador incredibly eager to see what Iván Romeo can do after Dauphiné blast

Alberto Contador is one of Spain's biggest figures in the sport of cycling not only in the past but still in the present, where he continues to be very vocal about the country's leaders and emerging talents. One very notable one is Iván Romeo, the new leader of the Criterium du Dauphiné.

“This Tuesday was a great day for Spanish cycling," Contador told Marca following the extraordinary victory of the Movistar Team rider this Tuesday in Charantonnay. It was an incredibly fast day of racing including a breakaway of a dozen including GC contenders, Mathieu van der Poel, and amongst others... Romeo.  

The Spaniard, a rouleur by specialty, took advantage of the hilly terrain and put to full use his ability to go on solo attacks. His solo victory in France saw him climb up the standings, jump into a surprising yellow jersey in a race headlined by the very best in the world, and even puts him as an outsider for the overall classification Top10.

Contador watched this stage very eagerly and is satisfied with the performance of yet another developing Spanish rider who can take over the grand stage over the coming years. The potential is definitely there, taking into consideration Romeo this year has already won a stage at the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana, and finished fourth at the UAE Tour won by none other than Tadej Pogacar.

A Tour de France debut is also imminent and 'El Pistolero' is looking forward to see what he can do there. “Romeo won a stage in the run-up to the Tour and took the lead. He's only 21 years old. He can have a great race here and also in the Tour, especially supporting Enric [Mas]". Both remain in contention for the overall classification into today's time-trial at the Dauphiné.