Thaindian News

Madrid, Oct 1 (IANS) Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador Saturday said he is targeting a win in 2012 Tour de France cycle race after finishing fourth in this year’s edition.

Contador won the 3-week Giro de Italia in May but his efforts in the race took a toll on him as he could only finish fourth in the Tour, which was won by veteran Australian, Cadel Evans.

Speaking in sports paper Marca, Contador said that he would not repeat that mistake and is focussed on adding the three Tour de France titles he won in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

“My clear objective in 2012 will be the Tour, although there is a chance that I could ride the Vuelta (Tour of Spain) later in the year,” said Contador, who believes it is possible to win the Tour and Giro in the same season.

“I think it can be done, but a lot of things have an influence. This year’s Giro was the hardest three week race that I have ever raced and that tires you out ahead of the Tour, but looking back, I don’t think this year’s Tour suited by characteristics, as there was team time trial rather than an individual prologue. Then there was only one 42 km time trial while in 2007, for example there were 120km of time trials,” said the rider.

There is still a chance that Contador will be suspended for next year and possibly even for 2013 should the Tribunal of Sporting Arbitration (TAS) decide to overturn the decision of the Spanish Cycling Federation to acquit him of doping charges after the Spaniard tested positive for small amounts of banned substance clembuterol during the 2010 Tour.

The TAS will announce its decision on a possible suspension this November.

“It could be that they suspend me, but we are doing everything possible for that not to happen. I am optimistic and I think that everything will go well. I have said it before and I will say it again that I want to thank everyone who has helped me,” said Contador.