An interview with Team Saxo Bank-SunGard's Alberto Contador who leads the 2011 Giro d'Italia on its first rest day.

Alberto, we are at the first rest day of the Giro d'Italia 2011 and you secured the pink jersey yesterday. How are you feeling?

Well, the truth is that yesterday was a great day. Our objetive was not to get the (leader's) jersey, the goal was to get the maximum possible difference to other rivals. It was a climb that was not particularly good, but the result was amazing and I am very happy. To take the pink jersey is not (the) significant (objective).

Now comes the most important part of the Giro?

Yes, the Giro has only just begun, the first nine days have been intensive. We've made the first differences and we [are now able to draw conclusions in regards to how well each overall race favorite is performing], but now come incredible stages in the Dolomites plus the two individual time trials. This Giro just started, but it's always good to [gain time on other favorites early on].

What will be your team's strategy from now? What will be your strategy to manage the obtained race leadership?

We have to see how things go day by day, but for us the goal is to have the jersey on 29th in Milan. The Giro is very difficult to control, especially with these stages (being) so long and so hard. [We're not obsessed about keeping] the leadership.

What do you expect from your rivals? Which competitors are the most dangerous and has your list of dangerous competitors changed since you started your Giro?

No, the rivals remain the same. There are some who have lost some time, but I don't know if it's because of a bad day or because they aren't in good shape. Like (Denis) Menchov and Joaquin Rodríguez, who didn't have a brilliant day yesterday, but it will be really hard. Everyone is going to attack, to attack [over long distances], they will send riders ahead and it will be very difficult. I'm ready for everything.

Precisely for that reason, how do you see your team? Are your Saxo Bank-SunGard team mates strong and do you have confidence in them? How is the mood within the team compared to during your time with Team Astana in last year's Tour de France?

Yes, I have full confidence in them. We must be aware that it is very difficult for one team to control the Giro, but they are very motivated and these days I have been very confortable, they allowed me to be as relaxed as possible in the peloton. I hope we can have everything under control.

As a result of your powerful performances yesterday and the day before yesterday many commentators now now say that you have become the great patron of the 2011 Giro. Do you agree and does obtaining the Giro lead so early in the race make it more difficult for you to take the overall Giro d'Italia win in Milan on the 29th of May?

I don't think at all I'm the big patron. Yesterday was a good day, I could make some differences and it was very important, but is insignificant to be the patron or not, because most eyes are on me and the whole world is watching what I do. I don't think that's going to change the behavior of my rivals.

Thank you very much for your time Contador. We wish you the best of luck in the remaining part of the 2011 Giro.

Stay tuned to Roadcycling.com for extensive coverage from the remaining part of the Giro d'Italia 2011.

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