Tinkoff-Saxo took control of stage 2 of Vuelta a Andalucía and rode in front to discourage possible attacks on the undulating 195km route. The team kept overall race leader Alberto Contador safe and the Spaniard retained his red jersey ahead of the Andalusia queen stage Friday.
Despite the stage being a relatively uneventful affair, it did, however, take its toll, according to Contador,
“It was quite an exhausting stage because there was a lot of wind throughout the day. The goal was to minimize the physical wear, avoid any possible crashes and try not to lose time in the GC. We achieved all of that and we now have to rest and recover before tomorrow”, says the team leader.
The long 195km stage 2 to Lucena – lasting nearly five hours – was marked by a long-distance breakaway and a peloton controlling the time gap. A five-man break had attacked shortly after the stage start and, having opened up a gap of five minutes, they were reeled in with 20 kilometers to go as a result of Tinkoff-Saxo pulling steadily at the front. The pace then increased and the stage was decided in a bunch sprint, where Juan Jose Lobato (Movistar) opened an early sprint and beat John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) on the line.
“Everything was good today, we kept Alberto in a safe position throughout the stage and we kept a high pace on the last short climb in order to minimize the amount of attacks. The guys did a good job and we’re ready for tomorrow’s important stage in a good position”, comments Steven de Jongh, leading Tinkoff-Saxo sport director at the race.
GC battle on queen stage
There’s motivation to trace on Tinkoff-Saxo, namely with the team’s young Danish champion Michael Valgren, who put in an effort on the final part of the stage.
“The guys did a good job leading us into the final 15km, where Tosatto and I took over to keep the peloton under pressure. Right now, we’re excited about tomorrow’s uphill finish and I think there’s a great vibe on the team. We’re ready to give our best and work hard for Alberto in order for him to finish it on the final climb tomorrow”, says Michael Valgren, who ascribes his good early season shape to the planning done by his sport director Steven de Jongh.
Spectators at the side of the road and fans following the live coverage at home can expect to see an early season battle between the stage race favorites as the gradient kicks up on the uphill finish to Alto de Hazallanas. Alberto Contador enters Friday’s queen stage a few seconds in front of his opponents in the general classification.
“We’re focusing on tomorrow’s stage, where the GC will be at stake. The finish features a steep and difficult climb and that’s where we will assess our form. Although I am familiar with the final climb, there are riders that have been preparing for it and given the small time differences in the GC, we will have to see how we compare to them”, concludes Alberto Contador.
