Alberto Contador on Chris Froome, Tour de France

Alberto Contador says Chris Froome is the narrow favourite to win the 2016 Tour de France, but he believes the Briton will have to fight off plenty of competition to do so.

Contador, a two-time Tour de France champion, expects the field for the next edition of the Grand Tour event to include numerous genuine challengers.

And although the Spaniard tipped Team Sky rider Froome to retain his title next year, he feels Nairo Quintana, who finished second in 2015, will push him all the way once again.

"It depends on what angle you analyse things from," Contador told Omnisport.

"Maybe Froome is more competitive than Quintana in the time trial. On the other hand Quintana knows how to finish on a high note in the Grand Tour.

"It will be very level, there is a handful of riders who can win it, although Froome already knows how to.

"I don't see a clear favourite for 2016. If I have to say one name, I'd say Froome, but not as clear this year."

Contador was disappointed to miss out on what would have been a third Tour title and an impressive double along with his Giro d'Italia victory last year, finishing fifth in France.

"In 2015 I had a different target than the previous season. I wanted to win the Giro and the Tour," he said.

"I knew it would have been difficult and depending on many factors. Eventually I couldn't make it. I am not fully satisfied as a rider.

"I expect a lot from myself and when I chose this challenge I thought I could win both. It wasn't to be but I went through many sacrifices and did everything I thought needed to be done.

"Still, winning at the Giro was special. That is a race I love so much but this year it was so tough."

The 33-year-old has previously hinted that 2016 could be the last year of his career, and he believes Italian Fabio Aru is among those best-placed to emulate him.

"To date I don't see anyone else who resembles me 100 per cent," Contador added.

"I can tell that Fabio Aru looks a bit like me under some viewpoints. Still, if there is no one like me now, someone will come up from my foundation's junior and Under-23 teams."