Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) narrowly missed a stage victory in today’s time trial in the Vuelta a España, ending the day five seconds behind winner David Millar. Sánchez had a few mishaps along the way to Madrid, but was pleased with his second place overall, which he should seal in tomorrow’s final in Madrid. After Sunday he will be concentrating on the Worlds in the very strong Spanish squad.
“I came with the objective of fighting for the win in the Vuelta and I trained very hard for that. I was in contention until the final day. There was only one rider better than I, a rider with the extraordinary quality of Alejandro Valverde. I can’t be more than satisfied,” Sánchez said, adding that “I left great cyclists behind me.”
Sánchez had no desire to research where he lost the 55 seconds that he trails behind Valverde. “I don’t want to look back and think about the 18 seconds lost in the Netherlands or the crash in Aitana. The Vuelta was how it was.”
Only Millar was faster than Sánchez today. “I didn’t win today by a mere five seconds, which is a pity. But Millar is preparing for the Worlds time trial and I knew he was going to be a dangerous rival.”
Sánchez himself will form part of the very strong Spanish squad for the Worlds road race, alongside Oscar Freire, Joaquím Rodríguez, Valverde and co. “Once the Vuelta is over, you have to put your mind to the World Championships. Right now, the power isn’t there, but we have one week to take a breather and recuperate for Mendrisio.”