“It’s a shame for the sliding in the curve – says Vincenzo Nibali – it was raining and the road was dirty and slippery. Until then we did a great race but then I had to defend myself on last climb. I’m glad I was able to defend my second place”.
“My teammates have done a wonderful job – adds the Italian champion – but I must thank Franco Pellizotti in particular. Without him and with the strong pain on my left side I do not know if I would arrive with the best at the finish line at the top of Angliru. ”
“I gave everything I could to help Vincenzo – says Franco Pellizotti – it would have been very bad after three weeks to lose the podium. After the third place at the Giro d’Italia, this second is the proof that we have worked and done well. ”
“Franco is right – SD Gorazd Štangelj smiles – we got a great second place in the overall stand behind Chris Froome and behind a big team. Vincenzo’s fall has obviously conditioned his race, but it remains the great satisfaction that he has also closed with a stage win and numerous Top Ten. ”
On the Alto de Langliru the Spanish Alberto Contador won the Queen stage. Fifth an excellent Pellizotti and sixth Nibali. With only a stage to go, Chris Froome has a 2.15 “advantage over our captain.
The 21st and final stage of this Vuelta 2017 will be the traditional Madrid’s parade. A completely flat route and only 117km will end with a circuit in the heart of the Spanish capital.
