Contador confident en route to the Tour

Alberto Contador, bidding to become the first rider since the late Marco Pantani in 1998 to claim the Giro/Tour de France double in the same year, defended his lead on the final stage of the Route du Sud to finish ahead of Nairo Quintana.

Alberto Contador remains on track to complete the Tour de France/Giro d'Italia double (Supplied) Source: Supplied

Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) setup his overall victory with a multi-dimensional display of agressive climbing and risky descending on the third stage of the four day Route du Sud.

Finishing second at 17 seconds was Nairo Quintana (Movistar), one of Contador's most dangerous rivals for the Tour title. Pierre-Roger Latour (AG2R) finished third at 41 seconds.

"I'm happy with this victory at the Route du Sud but this doesn't change anything in view of the Tour de France," Contador said.

"It would be a mistake to change the mindset right now, thinking that this win would give me more confidence.

"It was a hot day and it was about controlling the race and defending our position. The entire team worked hard and I'd like to thank everybody for their effort. I feel proud of them.

"We still have another 13 days until the start of the Tour de France and I will keep my focus on my preparation, in order to reach the start in the best shape possible."