Contador reaffirms Tour focus in 2016

Alberto Contador has confirmed that he will forego the 2016 Giro d'Italia in favour of a final bid to win the Tour de France.

Alberto Contador is all about the Tour de France in 2016. Source: Getty Images

The 2015 Giro winner and Tinkoff-Saxo rider appeared at the official launch of the 2016 Corsa Rosa earlier this week, but played down speculation that he could re-attempt the Giro-Tour double that eluded him last year.

He confirmed that the Giro was not on his program to Spanish daily AS.

"The Giro is always special for me - it is the most beautiful race in the world," he said "But next year will be good to see it on television.

"In fact, it is really hard to just watch it on TV, but if I want to do well in the Tour de France, it's better not to be in Italy. "

Contador highlighted Vincenzo Nibali as the favourite for the Giro, but hinted that Dumoulin could do well given the number of time trials in the race.

"fI think it is perfect for Nibali, although this Giro could also be good for Tom Dumoulin," added Contador. "The time trials are good for him: if he maintains the level he had at the Vuelta a Espana, he will have a good chance for victory."

Contador plans to retire at the end of the 2016 season, meaning that next year's attempt to take the Tour crown is likely to be his last.

Aru Tour bid momentum gathers

Fabio Aru also gave weight to rumours that he, not Nibali, would lead Astana in next year's Tour de France.

“I’ve never done the Tour. I’ve done the Giro three times, the Vuelta twice,” Aru told VeloNews. “I haven’t seen the Tour’s course yet. I have to see the Tour course and talk with the team.

“What I’d like to have in the Tour? Stages like Alpe d’Huez or Ventoux.”

Aru suggested his program would be set at Astana's November training camp.