"The hardest part is already behind" - Alberto Contador believes Movistar and Mas may be ready to take Vuelta win
Cycling
The battle for the overall at La Vuelta a España enters its decisive phase with Enric Mas in red and Movistar Team established as one of the race’s key actors. The Balearic rider has defended the lead on the most demanding days and, in Alberto Contador’s view, the Spanish team’s situation is now more favourable than a few days ago.
The Madrid-born ex-rider analysed the race’s evolution on Eurosport’s La Montonera, focusing on Mas’ form and the team’s capacity to handle the final days of competition. For Contador, any doubts surrounding Movistar’s leadership have faded after they passed the first big tests with authority.
The general classification picture has also shifted after Felix Gall’s display. The Decathlon CMA CGM rider now sits in a privileged position and, far from being only a rival to Mas, could end up playing a decisive role in the fight for the podium and, indirectly, become a tactical ally for the leader.
The situation also forces a change of roles for several riders. Gall, second overall, will have to shoulder more responsibility against potential attacks from Richard Carapaz or Primož Roglic, while Decathlon has lost riders and the ability to control the race. In that context, Contador believes Movistar has moved past its most uncertain moment.
“Movistar’s critical moment has already passed”
Contador admitted he was initially uneasy about Mas taking the red jersey, although that perception changed after seeing the team’s response. “Honestly, when Enric first pulled on red, I was worried. I could see Enric had the legs, but I didn’t know to what extent the team did,” the former rider explained.
The first major test came at Calar Alto, a summit finish where Movistar had to prove they were ready to defend the lead in high mountains. The Spanish squad’s performance convinced Contador and dispelled many of his doubts. “The first important test they had was Calar Alto and they handled it very well. I think Movistar’s critical moment is already behind them,” he noted.
Enric Mas leads the Vuelta a España following 15 stages
“Decathlon are going to be an ally”
One factor that could now play into Mas’s hands is Decathlon’s situation. The French team has lost riders and its control over the race has weakened, but Gall is in a position that forces him to take responsibility. “Now the Decathlon team are going to be an ally,” Contador pointed out.
Eurosport’s analyst believes the loss of riders will shape Decathlon’s strategy over the next stages. “Today they lost one of their men and you could see less eagerness to attack, to pull, because Felix Gall is being left short-handed,” he explained. The consequence is that the French team will need to manage their resources more carefully.
Contador goes a step further and argues that Gall himself could become a key piece in how the race unfolds. “When I talk about Decathlon I’m not only referring to the team, but to Gall. Gall is going to be even more of a domestique than he has been so far,” he stated.
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The logic is clear: the Austrian cannot simply defend his position; he will have to respond to any moves from his direct rivals. “He’ll be the one who has to carry the weight if Carapaz goes or if Primoz Roglic goes, because he needs to take time back from them,” reasoned Contador.
With this new scenario, the Spanish ex-pro believes Mas and Movistar reach the decisive stretch with a significant advantage compared to the uncertainty that existed when they first seized the lead. “I think the hardest part is already behind them,” Contador concluded, convinced the Spanish team now approaches La Vuelta’s finale from a far stronger position.
Javier RampeCycling Journalist
Javier Rampe is a sports analyst with more than 15 years of experience. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Rome and a Diploma in Business Studies from the University of Cádiz. Despite coming from an academic background not particularly associated with cycling, his passion for both cycling and journalism was instilled in him from an early age. He grew up following Miguel Indurain and José María “El Chava” Jiménez. An admirer of Michael Robinson’s communication style and journalistic approach, he was inspired to pursue a degree in Journalism at the University of Buenos Aires, which he is currently completing.
He has always maintained close ties with the worlds of sport and culture, contributing from a young age to sports blogs and film and music review websites. His work has appeared in media outlets such as Cope, RAI, and Radio Con Vos. He is also the founder of the cycling-focused podcast El Contraanálisis and the football interview channel Días De Fútbol, dedicated to conversations with professional footballers.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Javier has interviewed some of the most influential figures in modern cycling, including Alejandro Valverde and Tadej Pogačar, as well as key voices in anti-doping policy such as Alberto Yelmo, David Varillas, and Marcelo Milano. Marcos Maynar, in relation to the ‘Operación Ílex’ case, is also among the personalities he has interviewed. He enjoys conducting in-depth analysis of the cycling ecosystem and has attended major events such as Strade Bianche, the Vuelta a Andalucía, and Itzulia, as well as numerous national cyclo-cross races.
His background in economics, combined with extensive experience in marketing and corporate communications, drives his continuous study of positioning strategies and ensures that he always keeps his focus on crafting compelling and evocative headlines.
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