Alberto Contador believes Chris Froome is his biggest Tour de France rival in 2013 but is still wary of a group of 'five or six' riders.
Speaking in Dubai after finishing behind Team Sky's Froome at the Tour of Oman, the Team Saxo-Tinkoff rider said the Tour de France is his main focus in 2013.
"The Tour of Oman I think is a good race for the start of the season. I feel good, but my condition in this moment is not the best but I think it's perfect for February," Contador said.
"It's very important this month to train well for the very big objective of the year, I think it's perfect. The more important objective of this year is 100 per cent the Tour de France.
"Tour de France is the most important race in the world. I think this year I am in a perfect team with very strong teammates with me and I believe in the Tour."
While Contador highlighted Froome to again be his main competitor, he was adamant it would not be a race between the two.
"I think that for the next Tour de France, there are maybe five, six riders that will fight for the victory and I think if I need to say only one name I'd say Christopher Froome," he said.
"I think that this guy is very strong in the climbs and also in the time trials. But also other riders are very strong; Andy Schleck if he is good, (Cadel) Evans, (Bradley) Wiggins, (Alejandro) Valverde, Joaquim (Rodriguez). There are many guys that have a big chance for the victory."