Vuelta a España - Chris Froome: I couldn't ask for much more than that
Aug 31 2017 12:54 am CET
Photo of Chris Froome © Mary Cárdenas / CyclingPub.com
Team Sky leader Chris Froome was pleased with his second place in the 11th stage of the Vuelta a España, having gained time on most of his rivals for the overall victory.
Froome finished at 14 seconds from stage winner Miguel Angel Lopez of Astana, ahead of Vincenzo Nibali and Wilco Kelderman. Others all lost time to the race leader, with Orica-Scott's Esteban Chaves needing another 1'51" to finish the stage.
"I'm very happy with the outcome today," the Briton said shortly after receiving the Red Jersey for another day.
"It was a day when some of my rivals lost time on the General Classification, so to finish second, I couldn't ask for much more than that other than a stage victory, but when (Miguel Angel) Lopez went he was extremely strong."
Froome explained that he decided to stay with Nibali as the Bahrain-Merida rider looked strong while other general classification riders appeared to be struggling.
"I figured for me the most important thing was to follow Vincenzo Nibali and stay with the favourites. I concentrated on staying with him seeing that (Esteban) Chaves was already dropped and Alberto (Contador) was on the limit."
With this result, Froome extends his lead over the nearest rival (Nibali) to one minute and 19 seconds.
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