Katusha riders say they are determined to keep pushing for overall victory
Previous race leader Dani Moreno has explained his collapse of pace towards the end of yesterday’s tenth stage of the Vuelta a España, saying that he initially felt good but then slowed considerably.
Moreno was shelled out with over five kilometres left on the climb to Alto Hazallanas, and eventually trailed in two minutes 22 seconds behind the solo winner Chris Horner (RadioShack Leopard). He was twelfth on the stage and has now slipped back to sixth overall, with any chance of winning the race fading.
“To tell the truth I had good feelings today, but in the end I must have suffered too much the length of the course and the hot temperature, even if usually I like warm weather,” he said.
Moreno had an additional reason for what happened. “On the last climb I had a food crisis and I felt empty. I’m disappointed but the race is still very long and both Joaquim and me are in a good position in order to fight for the final victory until the end.”
Joaquim Rodriguez went into the race as the designated leader, having led for most of last year and eventually finishing third overall after a single bad day cost him his red jersey. He was fifth on yesterday’s stage, being part of the chase group which came in one minute and two seconds behind Horner and fourteen seconds behind Vincenzo Nibali (Astana).
He finished just behind Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Ivan Basso (Cannondale Pro Cycling) , and one place ahead of Thibaut Pinot (FDJ). He is now fifth overall, one minute and 40 seconds back.
Like Moreno, he suggests not taking enough food might have been an issue.
“I was in a great shape until four kilometres to go,” he said. “I felt brilliant, particularly on the steepest part of the climb. Then, all of a sudden, I started to feel weaker and weaker: maybe I had a food crisis.”
Still, although he had hoped to do better and be closer to the red jersey at this point, he’s optimistic about what lies ahead. “I think my shape is growing and I’m happy about that. Unfortunately today we lost Losada for a crash: he’s a very important rider for us, especially during the mountain stages, and I’m really sorry for him.”
Both riders will now use today’s rest day to relax and regain energy prior to what they hope will be a big push towards red in the days to come.