Vuelta a España - Nairo Quintana: I had never won like this so far in my career
Aug 26 2019 06:23 am CET
Photo of Nairo Quintana
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) took the victory of the second stage at the Vuelta a España and climbed to the second position of the overall classification.
The Colombian was part of a escape of six that formed at the last climb of the day. Quintana took his chances with three kilometres to go and launched a strong attack that was not followed by any of the other favourites, which allowed him to take a solo victory in Calpe.
"It was kind of a different finish and a very beautiful one," the Colombian commented. "I had never won like that so far in my career – there’s always a first time, isn’t there? A special day for me, and one that I really needed to happen. It was also a massive boost for the team, which deserved this from so long. We’ve been working all day, in great harmony, with Alejandro and all of our teammates doing so well – and we got that prize we deserved.
"We didn’t expect the front split in the Puig Llorença to be such a small group – we expected to have a sprint stage, maybe with a quite restricted peloton, but still with some sprinters there. Alejandro and I tried to make those moves after the top, going one rider at a time, and once that six-man group went away, I tried to keep taking turns so the pace didn’t stop. I found a moment to attack and didn’t hesitate nor looked behind: if it stuck, great, and if it didn’t, at least I would have been trying.
"We’re only two days into this race; there’s so much still left, we must not get too optimistic with this win. It’s a joy we will surely enjoy, because of the morale it gives you, and it will surely make the team ride calmer and stronger. But there are all mountains still to cover in this Vuelta."
Vuelta a España - Nairo Quintana: I had never won like this so far in my career https://t.co/SI5pDa9t9I
— CyclingPub (@CyclingPub) August 25, 2019
#LaVuelta19
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