Alberto Contador says 2016 Tour de France is a race for climbers
Last Updated: 20/10/15 5:26pm
Alberto Contador has described the 2016 Tour de France as a climbers’ race but believes the two time trials could also have a decisive say on the outcome.
Although there are only four summit finishes on the route, which was unveiled in Paris on Tuesday, the peloton will have to tackle 28 climbs over the 21 stages - an increase of three from this year.
In between are a rolling 37km individual time trial on stage 13 and an uphill 17km individual time trial on stage 18, which is also a rise on the 13.8km of individual time-trialling in the 2015 Tour.
Contador said: "The two time trials stand out and are probably the ones that make the difference from the 2015 parcours. Both time trials are tough. I like them both.
"The mountain stages are evenly spread out from start to finish and you will have to manage your forces very well in order not to reach the final stages worn out.
"Is it a Tour for climbers? Yes, it is, although last year's Tour was even more since it didn't have so many time trials. It clearly is a course well suited to the profile of climbers."
Contador is set to retire at the end of 2016 and wants to leave the sport with a third Tour triumph to add to his wins in 2007 and 2009.
He added: "Overall, it is a parcours that I like, but as it is well known with the Grand Tours, it can turn against you at any moment.
"Without any doubt, it can be a nice and attractive Tour and I will prepare for it 100 per cent."
