Contador eyes Tour, Vuelta double in 2014
Madrid (AFP) - Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador is targeting victory in both the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana in 2014 after investment firm Saxo Bank increased its commitment to sponsor the Danish team led by former Tour winner Bjarne Riis.
Saxo Bank will become the sole name for the team formally known as Saxo-Tinkoff after Russian businessman Oleg Tinkov announced his intention to withdraw his funding of the team for 2014.
"Saxo has decided to step up its commitment in 2014 and with that help we are able to continue the team. This is fantastic news for us, our riders and our fans," Riis told a press conference in Madrid on Thursday.
"We are extremely grateful to Saxo Bank and the commitment they have shown to us over the last number of years is very important.
"It is a team that will be as strong as it was last year. We have the same quality of riders. Our aim is to be amongst the best in the world tour and hopefully achieve a lot of wins."
Contador didn't enjoy the best 2013 season on the road as he finished a disappointing fourth in his quest for a third Tour de France victory and decided against defending his Vuelta a Espana title.
However, he intends to return to ride in his homeland in 2014 and believes he is capable of winning both races.
"I am already thinking about 2014 and I am hopeful it will be a good year for us," he said.
"We didn't meet all our objectives in 2013, but sometimes it is normal that you don't always win.
"The Vuelta has many great memories for me, it has given me many things and it is obviously is the race of my country.
"Independently of how the Tour de France goes, unless there is something unexpected, I will be at the Vuelta and I hope to have a good race.
"I believe it is possible to win both as they are completely compatible. If I thought I couldn't win both then I would only go for one."
