Contador shrugs off Armstrong's tension claims

LIMOGES: Alberto Contador on Monday played down the tension between him and Astana teammate Lance Armstrong as both prepare to launch respective bids for the 2009 Tour de France yellow jersey.

As Contador, the 2007 race winner, welcomed the media on the race's first rest day on Monday 13 of the 18 questions centered on the Spaniard's teammate, and potential rival, Armstrong.

Armstrong, a seven-time champion, confirmed the suspicions of many on Sunday when he told French television a "little tension" exists between him and Contador.