Kim Andersen
Kim Andersen
almost beautiful cake certain fast final form icing improved last proud race reason ride spot stage steadily third top week winning won
Nicki has won a beautiful and very prestigious stage and he has every reason to be proud of himself. Steadily he has improved his form during this race and it's really something to be able to ride this fast in the third and last week of the Vuelta. Right now Carlos Sastre is almost certain of his spot on the final podium, and winning a stage on top of this is just icing on the cake for the whole team.
almost bad bit choice decisive felt foot front full happen hit instead left limit looks loss manage pace patch quite ride risking sensible six strong time today total weeks
Carlos felt really strong at the foot of the decisive climb, so we put Calvente and Piil up front to set the pace. With about six kilometers to go Carlos hit a bad patch and instead of risking a total meltdown, he made the sensible choice to ride at his own pace and he did actually manage to limit his time loss quite well. The other day Carlos was a bit better than Mancebo and today it was the other way round. The time differences are still very small. The way it looks right now Heras and Menchov are the strongest. But there's almost two full weeks left and a lot can happen in that time.
coming proud time
It's been a long time coming and we're proud of our first contract. We're proud to be union!
chance definitely good result riders shape test tough
It was definitely a good result because it was a really tough test today, where only those riders who are in shape had any chance of doing well,
beautiful bit flat half himself moral perhaps situation strong stronger taken
It was really beautiful for Carlos and I think it was also important for his own moral that he got to see himself in a situation where he was just as strong and perhaps even stronger than the other favorites. If there hadn't been that flat bit half way up the climb, I actually think he could have taken the stage.
ahead fact front fun group guys rider satisfied second three tried
We tried to keep Sastre up front ahead of the climb, where it all exploded, ... Of course, it would've been more fun if we'd had a rider in the break, but I'm pretty satisfied with the fact that we had three guys in the second group with all the big favourites.
ahead fact front fun group guys rider satisfied second three tried
We tried to keep Sastre up front ahead of the climb, where it all exploded. Of course, it would've been more fun if we'd had a rider in the break, but I'm pretty satisfied with the fact that we had three guys in the second group with all the big favourites.
chances contract family feeling finishing himself illness later nervous prepare promises race rest shape spend starts stressful time top tour troubled
This promises well for Carlos' chances in the rest of the race. We had a feeling he'd be in top shape after finishing well in the Tour and later having the time to prepare himself and spend time with his family without being troubled by injuries, illness or stressful contract negotiations. But just before a race starts you always get a little nervous anyway.