Alberto Contador has finished his preparation for the Tour de France by becoming time trial champion of Spain.

The 26-year-old, who is the favourite for the tour and Astana team-mate of Lance Armstrong, completed the 47.8 kilometre course between Torrelavega and Cuevas de Altamira in one hour four minutes 40 seconds.

He said: "Thanks to its distance this was a good simulation of the Tour de France time trial.

"My preparation for the Tour is done. I cannot complain. I am ready."