Recon on the Dauphiné TT course, Stage 1, Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Contador training on the Stage 1 TT course. Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Alberto on the starting blocks in Stage 1 of Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Alberto warming up on the rollers, Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Tomas Vaitkus and Haimar Zubeldia with Valverde at the start line, Stage 8. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

Christine with Alberto and Jesús Hernandez Blazquez. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

Contador confers with Benjamin Noval, his chief protector. On flat or windy stages, Noval's help is vital. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

The moon over the Lautaret summit. Stunning view. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

The mighty Galibier. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

The French Alps in Briançon. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

The Lautaret pass in Briançon. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

Dirk continues his good-natured charade over refreshments with the Kahanes and Craig the Mechanic. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

Is this the Lithuanian champion?! No! Dirk Demol swiped Tomas Vaitkus’ kit! All in good fun. Dauphiné 09 (photoKahane)

Sergio is photogenic! Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Alberto and Christine. Alberto always took a moment for us, in spite of being a superstar. Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Jesús Hernández has ridden with Contador since they were young teens. Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Christine with Astana's Sergey Renev and Alexandr Dyachenko of Kazakhstan. Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Jesús Hernández did a super job on Mont Ventoux, and shephered Contador throughout the week. Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Olympic silver medalist and loyal gregario Sergio Paulinho summits the Venoux. Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)

Haimar Zubeldia was outstanding on the Ventoux. Dauphiné Libéré 2009 (photoKahane)