The three-time Tour de France champion defended the lead from Saturday's mountain stage by winning the 7.7-mile time trial in Murcia.

The Team Saxo Bank-SunGard rider finished with an overall time of 9 hours, 27 minutes, 18 seconds.

"I'm immensely happy about this victory," Contador commented after the finish and continued "It proves that I have been doing my preparations perfectly."

Contador added "More importantly, I'm really happy about being with this team. Everyone's really supportive and together we have the strength to conquer several more magnificent victories in the future."

"Alberto does a perfect time trial and simply underlines his great condition. The victory is a relief for him and for the team. His presence alone has an outstanding effect on our younger riders, Manuele and Jaroslaw who both did outstanding performances today," Team Saxo Bank-SunGard sports director Dan Frost commented after today's decisive time trial won by Contador.

Frenchman Jerome Coppel was 11 seconds behind for Team Saur Sojason, while Russia's Dennis Mechov, riding for Team Rabobank, was third at 17 seconds off the pace.

Contador had tested positive for clenbuterol but was later cleared of wrongdoing by the Spanish cycling federation. The International Cycling Union (UCI) said it will decide by March 24 whether to appeal the Spanish federation's decision.

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