The Tour de France champion advanced to second in the overall standings, six seconds behind Stephen Cummings, after placing third in the third stage.

"I'm very happy with the result because I managed to reach the lead pack and although I was third, I have been fighting for the win until the end," Contador said.

Cummings won the mountainous 111-mile stage in 4 hours, 56 minutes, 19 seconds. Contador had the same time, as did runner-up Tejay Van Garderen.

Contador tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol at last year's Tour de France. The Spanish cycling federation accepted his claim that he unintentionally ate contaminated meat and overturned a proposed one-year ban.

"I'm thoroughly enjoying myself despite sometimes experiencing aching legs, but I'm enjoying this race after going through so much stress," Contador said. "Now my mind is on other things."