VALLAD D’UIXO, Spain (AP) — Alberto Contador was third in the Spanish national time trials on Friday, part of the three-time Tour de France champion’s preparations for next month’s race.
Luis Leon Sanchez won his third national title by taking the 27.5-mile sprint in 27 minutes, 12 seconds. Jonathan Castresana was second with Contador 24 seconds back in third.
Contador, who hasn’t competed since winning a second Giro d’Italia last month, said after “one month without competing, today was always going to be something of an incognito. Still, I’m happy with the result.”
Contador has been cleared by the Spanish cycling federation after questions arose from a drug test at last year’s Tour. He’s allowed to race until his appeal is heard in August.
The Tour starts July 2.
