Spanish papers declare “end of Armstrong”

By Agence France Presse

Spanish newspapers on Monday celebrated Alberto Contador’s seizure of the yellow jersey in the Tour de France declaring that his win on Sunday marked the end of an era for Lance Armstrong.

“Contador marks the end of Armstrong,” reported top-selling daily newspaper El Pais which published a photo of the smiling 26-year-old Spanish rider as he donned the yellow jersey he had not worn since his Tour win in 2007.

The newspaper stressed that he finished 43 seconds ahead of Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck and one minute and 37 seconds ahead of Armstrong, who the paper said “could not match (Contador’s) uphill rhythm”.

“Contador strikes down Armstrong in the Alps,” said rival daily El Mundo on its front page while conservative daily ABC headlined “Contador buries Armstrong.”

“Once again without a team, he does everything on his own to retire the American myth and gain the lead of the race,” the newspaper added.

Contador took the yellow jersey after a solo attack on Sunday during the first Alpine stage of the race from Pontarlier, France, to the Swiss ski resort of Verbier.

“His faraway attack sinks Armstrong, gives him the yellow jersey and puts an end to the ‘Apartheid’ within Astana,” wrote daily newspaper Publico, in a reference to Armstrong and Astana manager Johan Bruyneel.

“The road has put each rider in his place,” said sports daily Marca.

Armstrong himself conceded that it would now be difficult for him to aim for an eighth Tour crown.

“I think after today he demonstrated he is the strongest in the race,” said Armstrong. “I thought I’d feel a little bit better, I didn’t. There is no point messing around. I gave everything I had and I wasn’t the best.”

FILED UNDER: News / Road / Tour de France TAGS: Tour de France