Contador says “I’m a better driver than Lance.”

Already on record as being the stronger stage racer than his much older rival Lance Armstrong, the Spaniard today claimed he was also the better driver.

With air travel disrupted by a volcano and closed airports, Contador drove the 1900 kilometers from Spain to Belgium with several Astana teammates.

After nearly 24 hours on the road, Contador arrived fresh and relaxed. “Lance could never have driven like that. I was strong the whole way, there was never a moment when the speed was too high. I must admit the sensations were good,” said Contador.

Contador then jumped on his bike and did a quick 30k reconnaissance of part of the Liege-Bastogne-Liege race course with some local riders.

Armstrong is well known for his love of fast cars and high speed driving. Still, Contador appeared to believe he, not the Texan, is the top driver in the peloton.

“Alberto was incredibly strong on the drive — especially over the Pyrenees,” said Astana teammate Benjamin Noval. “I offered to take the wheel but he refused. I have much respect for Armstrong but Alberto is number one on the road.”

Contador dropped several teammates in France before continuing on, a journey that stretched through the night. “Alberto is unstoppable right now. I wanted to stop, get some snacks, empty my bladder but he said, no, we push on. Could Lance do that — at his age? I don’t think so,” said Noval.

“It has been a hard journey, but we have done it relatively comfortably and fast,” said Contador.