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Contador wins Criterium du Dauphine prologue

LES GETS, France – Alberto Contador signalled his strong form a little less than a month before the Tour de France starts with a fine victory in the Criterium du Dauphine prologue on Sunday.

Contador, who won the Tour de France twice and is again among the favourites this year, was the fastest against the clock in the brutal four-kilometre ascent to the top of the Mont Chery in the Alps.

Contador’s former teammate Richie Porte was second, six seconds back, while two-time Tour winner Chris Froome lagged 13 seconds behind in third position.

Contador said: “The climb suited me really well. I didn’t expect to win but I can’t say it’s a surprise to beat Chris Froome.”

Victoria’s Ryder Hesjedal, in his first race since dropping out of the Giro d’Italia with intestinal problems, was 16th.

Christian Meier of Sussex, N.B., was 93rd and Antoine Duchesne of Saguenay, Que., 112th.

The Tour de France starts July 2 at the Mont-Saint-Michel.

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