Even after the departure of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador continues to consider leaving the Astana team despite his contract for two more seasons. “I might ride for a Belgian team. In two weeks I will know more,” he commented after his win in the Bavikhove Criterium.
The Spaniard has received four offers but remains uncertain, “I don’t know where I will ride in 2010. I have my doubts about Astana. For 2010 I want a change, but Astana remains an option. I have spoken with the team.”
Contador looks ready to part ways with Astana despite a healthy four-year 16 million euro contract extension. Although he has a contract until 2011, the 2009 Tour de France champion has offers from Garmin-Slipstream, Caisse d’Epargne and Quick-Step.
Garmin seems the least likely destination considering they already have Christian Vande Velde and Bradley Wiggins to lead their grand tour teams. Spain’s Caisse d’Epargne would be a better fit despite having Alejandro Valverde and recently signing Italian classification rider Marzio Bruseghin for 2010. Patrick Lefevre’s Quickstep is still in need of a grand tour leader after two years of disappointing results in the overall in the three grand tours. Lefevre did however say that before signing the Spaniard they would have to seek additional sponsorship to cover his high salary.
Contador responded to questions over the tension with Armstrong during the Tour, “It would have been easier without Armstrong on the team. I didn’t receive any help from him.”
While Contador’s future is unknown, Armstrong will be relying on a strong Team RadioShack, with American Levi Leipheimer, and super-domestiques Jose Luis Rubiera and Sergio Paulinho, all three riders plucked by Johan Bruyneel from Astana’s Tour team.