Ian: He didn't forgot that Alejandro was helping him Romandie He is not really satisfied with the managment of the team but he is still a friend with lot of guys in the team. Sutty:He will fight with him every chance he get. Even on next flat stage you will see their contest Freitas:Alejandro will do his best!
Race
Today was a sprinters stage so I will make it quick.
6 riders created a BOD but where caught 15 kms before the finish.
Valverde, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Froome and Contador were talking a lot about what happened yesterday. At the end they decided to take it like men and they had a little sprinting contest for who will finish better.
Meanwhile GC riders had some fun Thor won his first stage of this year's Vuelta.
Fastest of the GC guys was for sure Samy who finished 3rd! And thus took some time back.
Alejandro outsprinted Froome and Rodriguez.
From the start team Sky set really high pace. And it took 43 kms to create a BotD.
Sky was at the front whole day and we wanted to use it to our advantage and when the penultimate slope came Aroyo with Quintana went to front.
We wanted to shake off Froome's teammates.
While BotD was passing the KOM Rodriguez attacked followed by Igor Anton. If you look closely you can see them attacking.
We never let Rodriguez jump away. Our plan worked to perfection Froome was alone and had to chase Contador. Now it was up to Alejandro to get the job done.
But wait a minute! What's that? Samy Sanchez was 2 minutes behind the other leaders! Is this end to his Vuelta?
On the foot of the last hill we were leading the pack.
Egoitz GarcÃa Etxegibel from Cofidis giving his all to stay away from leaders.
Alejandro found a wheel of Froome but he was empty. Froome could easily took a second place.
But hey who won? No it wasn't me.
Alberto took his first win after steaks.
Alejandro came 4th 35 seconds behind Menchov! Who is really strong this Vuelta. And we will see if he won't take a leaders role here.
I ended on a nice 9th place! But what is more important, I was outsprinted by Samy! He would have won today's stage. He was just so strong today.
It looks good so far. Alejandro is 2nd. Just 1'15 behind Froome who I hope will crack after le Tour. More of a threat for Alejandro is for sure Alberto who is getting in to shape every race day! We will see what will Katusha do with Menchov and Rodriguez! I will do my best to stay in top 10.
Anyway just two stages left before rest day.
Sutty: he will do his best! Ian: I again checked race days and I find out that Froome has I think 66 race days but what is more shocking is that Rodriguez has already 79! so I think Rodriguez is done for this Vuelta
As usualy BotD consisted of 6 riders. Team Sky was in front of the pack whole day and gap never rised more than 7 minutes.
With 7 kms to go. Rodriguez suprised everyone with leadout attack for Menchov! Does this means change of leader??
I was in front of Valverde. Meanwhile Katusha leaders were caught they are just not good on flat.
With the first of two small hills in sight I took Alejandro in front.
I tried to stick to Samy's wheel. After a while I was empty. Alejandro had to attack.
He had nice gap, with only Nocentini trying to catch his attack. I was perfectly placed at the front of the pack.
With only 3 kms to go Rodriguez attacked! I knew I had to do something.
I had two choices. First to counter his attack and hope that he will be empty before he gets away or let him go and Valverde vs Rodriguez finish and try to slow down the pace.
I choosed to follow him!
I have to tell you it was one hell of a ride. He nearly stoped when he forfieted his attack.
Kroon went in front and tried to close the gap.
Alejandro was still turning his pedals. I have to tell you I would be dead 5 times already but he kept going!
Only 600 meters to go!
Nocentini was empty. Pack was only few meters behind him.
But Alejandro
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have won! He took a briliant victory in sunny Barcelona!
I was so happy. Just look.
I was so tired that I don't have a podium picture of Alejandro. I'm sure we will see him in Madrid on podium too!
He is not really satisfied with the managment of the team but he is still a friend with lot of guys in the team.
from Cofidis giving his all to stay away from leaders.
