VeloNews video: Armstrong says Contador attack was unplanned

Alberto Contador’s blistering attack in the final kilometers of stage 7 was not part of the Astana team’s plan, Lance Armstrong said after the finish of the stage Friday.

“That wasn’t really to the plan, but I didn’t expect him to go by the plan, so no surprise,” Armstrong told a crowd of reporters at the finish.

Asked what he thought when Contador attacked, Armstrong repeated, “like I said, I wasn’t surprised.”

Armstrong seemed bothered by the crowd, angrily telling the group to “Back up! God!” at one point.

Armstrong said he followed the team plan to the letter by following the chasers while Contador sped away, coming within seconds of taking the yellow jersey and passing Armstrong on the GC.

“That’s what you’ve got to do when you’ve got a guy up there. My obligation is to the team … you gotta just stay on the wheel, that’s bike racing.”

In a separate interview, Astana’s Levi Leipheimer had a similar response, saying Contador’s attack was not to plan, but was no surprise, either.

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