Criterium July 2014 - Le Tour de France Edition | Page 25

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The Czech rider is a contender in his own right, but is happy to support Contador agains this year. Kreuziger finished just one place and 3 seconds behind his team mate in last years TdF and will no doubt be a fundamental part to Contadors team again this time round.

Weaknesses:

Since Contador has returned from his doping ban, he has lacked the power in his legs on flat stages that he used to beat Cancellara on the 40 kilometre time trial stage back in 2009. As with Nibali, unless Contador has been working on this behind closed doors, then there is a high chance that he will lose valuable time from Froome on stage 20 this year, which could be catastrophic in his attempts for glory.

Contador is also known to struggle on the cobbles of Arenberg, losing over a minute to his rivals last time the tour visited in 2010.

Verdict

With Quintana focussing on the Giro this year, there is no doubting that Contador will be the main challenger to Froome this year. With the psychological boost from breaking Froome in the Dauphine a few weeks back, you have to feel that if everything goes to plan for Contador and he performs to the levels he’s shown to date this season, he really could take yellow. >>>