With seven seconds separating Alberto from the GC lead going into the final stage of the Volta a Catalunya, the race was still on. On a final stage that started and finished in Barcelona, the race saw rapid, attacking riding from all of the teams. Tinkoff’s team leader finished the race second overall in a strong show of form for the coming Grand Tours, ending the last stage in the pack in 27th place, 14 seconds after the stage winner.
In a final stage covering only 136.4km, with a fast finishing circuit in Barcelona, today’s racing was going to be at a breakneck pace. The all-rounders were trying for a final stage win, and the GC contenders aiming to take seconds where they could. In spite of a finishing circuit that climbed and descended the Alt de Montjuic no fewer than eight times, riders remained fresh and in a final 10km that saw attacks aplenty from the GC contenders, the two remaining riders of the earlier breakaway were first across the line.
Sport Director, Steven De Jongh, gave some insight into the team’s strategy for the final stage. “Before the start we planned that we wanted to put pressure on Quintana, and if that risked losing second place then that was a risk we would take. But he was always there and we couldn’t break the race. We were hoping for an attack from the others riders in the top five but that didn’t come, which was unfortunate. Quintana was always there and never really under pressure.”
Fifteen riders had escaped from 5km out at the start of the stage, with their numbers steadily dwindling as the stage went on, the remainder swallowed up by the peloton in the closing stages of the race, leaving two on the front. In the final few kilometres the attacks came from the GC contenders – not to catch the break, but to try and pull a few seconds from the GC leaders, Alberto himself attacking 11km from the finish.
In spite of coming second in the GC, Alberto was pleased with the outcome and, in particular, his form in the early season. “It’s a pity that I missed the win for four seconds at Paris-Nice and seven here, it would have been to round it off. However, if I had to choose between the form I have right now and achieving victory with worse sensations, I would definitely prefer the good sensations, especially ahead of the season’s big goal, the Tour de France.”
Looking at his strategy during the race, Alberto continued. “In hindsight, had my tactics on the climb to Port Ainé been different I might have had more chances for the GC. Instead of trying to control the two BMC riders and Nairo, I should have let him take more responsibility. However, what was done was done and today it was really complicated to build any significant time gap. Still, as I said, I’m overall satisfied with how I feel right now.”
“The guys rode a good race and Alberto gave 110% as always.” said Steven. “It’s of course mixed emotions to come second again, but we can be happy with how the week has gone. The downside was that we had a bit of sickness in the team and those riders had to leave the race, but we can now recover and look towards Pais Vasco.”
The Volta a Catalunya is another race where both Alberto and the team have put in a strong ride to place well, as the Tinkoff leader explained. “My preparation this winter has been very good. I’m satisfied because this first block of races of the year is concluding with a very good form. My body is recovering and I look forward to more. We now have a week ahead of us before the next race, Pais Vasco.”
Stage Result
1. Alexey Tsatevich (RUS) Team Katusha 03:13:33
2. PrimozRoglic (SLO) Lotto NL-Jumbo +00:00:00
3. Jarlinson Pantano (COL) IAM Cycling +00:00:14
4. Wout Poels (NED) Team Sky +00:00:14
5. Daryl Impey (RSA) Orica-GreenEdge +00:00:14
27. Alberto Contador (SPA) Tinkoff +00:00:14
51. Yuri Trofimov (RUS) Tinkoff +00:02:41
DNF Jesus Hernandez (SPA) Tinkoff
DNF Matteo Tosatto (ITA) Tinkoff
DNF Evgeny Petrov (RUS) Tinkoff
DNF Ivan Rovny (RUS) Tinkoff
GC overall standings after stage 7
1. Nairo Quintana (COL) Movistar 30:50:19
2. Alberto Contador (SPA) Tinkoff +00:00:07
3. Daniel Martin (IRE) Etixx-Quick Step +00:00:17
4. Richie Porte (AUS) BMC +00:00:17
5. Tejay Van Garderen (USA) BMC +00:00:27
45. Yuri Trofimov (RUS) Tinkoff +00:17:16
