Borja, 2nd of September – 2014
It was a one of the big days in this year’s Vuelta a Espana as today’s 36.7 kilometer long individual time trial would be able to show the differences in strength between the GC riders as well as the time trial specialists. Tinkoff-Saxo’s Spaniard, Alberto Contador was second overall before the stage, only three seconds behind the leader, Nairo Quintana (Movistar). But that was about to change.
Contador took off from Real Monasterio de Santa Mariá de Verula at 16:50 and shot through the technically demanding course to finish in Borja 36.7 kilometers later. At the first intermediate time check, Contador had the fastest time so far, 20 seconds ahead of the leading rider. Unfortunately for the Vuelta, Quintana took a tumble on the descent and lost a significant amount of time.
However, the strong Tinkoff-Saxo captain kept the pressure on and after 30 kilometers, he was third fastest and only 8 seconds behind the multiple time trial world champion, Tony Martin who won the stage. But Alberto finished 4th – 39 seconds behind Martin, which was enough to conquer the overall lead of the Vuelta a Espana with 27 seconds ahead of Alejandro Valverde in second place.
DS, Steven De Jongh was all smiles after the stage:
“Alberto did an amazing job on the course with a wild pace on the climb and from then on he maintained the pressure but on the descent he lost time to the likes of Martin and Cancellara. However, we’re thrilled to have the jersey and tomorrow’s a very tough day with an uphill finish. We’ll try to control the stage and naturally defend the lead,” said De Jongh.
