24 July,2009 08:34 AM IST | | PA Sport
Alberto Contador strengthened his position at the top of the general classification by powering to victory in yesterdya's individual time trial in stage 18 of the Tour de France.
The Spaniard, who rides for Astana, was three seconds quicker than Fabian Cancellara and now has a lead of four minutes and 11 seconds over nearest challenger Andy Schleck heading into the final three days of the Tour.
Having proved in the Alps he is the strongest in the mountains, the 2007 champion showed, on the 40.5 kilometres jaunt round Lake Annecy, that he was the best against the clock and looks in prime shape to claim his second Tour title.
The day belonged to Contador, who was the fastest at all the main splits.
"It's been a great day," said the 27-year-old, who posted a time of 48.30mins, told French television station France 2.
"Winning a time trial in the Tour de France is really special. And I beat all the specialists.
"We are near the end but there are still three days left. I must be careful."
Russia's Mikhail Ignatiev, the 19th rider out this morning, set a very competitive time of 48.46mins that would ultimately secure him third place.
