Contador starts in Portugal

Alberto Contador's preparations for the Tour de France will include five races starting with next month's Tour of the Algarve.

Contador, the 2007 champion, said on Monday he will begin his build upfor cycling's premier race with the five-day event in Portugal, whichbegins February 18.

The 26-year-old Spaniard will race at Paris-Nice, the Tour ofCastille-Leon and Tour of Basque Country. He will then compete in theDauphine Libere before the Tour's July 4 start in Monaco.

Contador will join his Astana teammates for a team camp in California from February 1-10.

Astana, now also boasting seven-time Tour de France champion LanceArmstrong, begins the season next week at South Australia's Tour DownUnder, the Texan's comeback race.