Sports Headlines

Froome, Contador To Duel For Spanish Vuelta Title

Posted: 11:19 AM Aug 17, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - One cyclist will be chasing an elusive victory, another starting the long road back from a doping suspension when the Spanish Vuelta starts Saturday in Pamplona.

Christopher Froome is seeking to go one better after finishing second in the Tour de France behind Sky teammate Bradley Wiggins. He was also runner-up in last year's Vuelta.

Froome says "this race is definitely a great opportunity for me. I will do my part and I know the rest of the team is ready."

Froome's main challenger is likely to be Alberto Contador, who will be competing in his first major race since serving a doping ban that cost him his third Tour title.

Contador completed the ban earlier this month after testing positive for the banned stimulant clenbuterol during the 2010 Tour.