Contador wants another climber

Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador has asked Team Saxo Bank to sign another climber for the Tour de France, hoping for some extra support in the most gruelling stages of the race.

Contador finished a disappointing fifth in this year’s Tour de France after winning the Giro d’Italia with relative ease. “Riis is still working to see if we can get some reinforcement, especially a climber,” Contador said after speaking to students at a university in Madrid. “I would be delighted, but I know that it is difficult and all riders have their interests.”

Contador also confirmed that he won’t be riding in the Giro d’Italia in 2012 since it left him fatigued for the Tour de France this year. He added that defending champion Cadel Evans remains the favourite, while also expecting a stiff challenge from 2011 runner-up Andy Schleck, whose Leopard Trek team has merged with RadioShack.