Contador crowned Spanish TT champion

Yellow jersey contender Alberto Contador was crowned Spanish national time trial champion on Friday as he tested out his new machine for the upcoming Tour de France.

Contador, who rides for the Astana team, completed the 47.8km course between Torrelavega and Cuevas de Altamira in 1hr 04min 40sec.

The 2007 Tour de France champion finished 37sec ahead of Luis Leon Sanchez and 1min 05sec ahead of Ruben Plaza.

Astana, which includes seven-time yellow jersey champion Lance Armstrong, will be one of the teams to beat at the July 4-26 Tour de France which kicks off in Monaco.

The three-week epic includes two individual time trials as well as a team time trial on stage four.

Contador, 26, is arguably the best climber in the peloton but he will also look to make up time differences in the crucial races against the clock.

"Thanks to its distance this was a good simulation of the Tour de France time trial," said Contador in a statement released by Astana.

"My preparation for the Tour is done. I cannot complain. I am ready.

"This was of course not only training, I really wanted this Spanish title. I had to struggle till the end to beat Luis Leon.

"I am proud to be champion of Spain. I will show the Spanish colors for the first time in Monaco in the first stage of the Tour de France."