Vuelta a España - Alejandro Valverde: It wasn't my worst day but not the best either
Sep 10 2019 12:04 am CET
Photo of Alejandro Valverde by Jonathan Roorda / CyclingPub.com
Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) has lost some time in the 16th stage of the Vuelta a España but remains in the second position of the General Classification.
On a very difficult racing day, Valverde couldn't follow the rhythm of the trio of Miguel Ángel López, Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic and lost 23 seconds in the overall classification. But the rider is still two minutes and 48 seconds behind Roglic in GC and 54 seconds ahead of Pogacar.
"Today was very good despite everything that happened," said the World Champion. "It wasn't my worst day but not the best either. Yesterday I won 40 seconds and today I lost 23. For a day as tough as today, 23 seconds is nothing. Everything stays very equal when it's about the form of all of us. Marc did a great job for me. At first, he continued after the attack of Pogacar and López in case I could go ahead and bridge to him, but I lost some time instead.
"Even Roglic had some weak moments today, but just like I did, he set his own rhythm and could go back to the front. Having Marc with me helped me a lot until the finish. The rest day will be very good for all of us. Do I think I still have options of winning the Vuelta? I could win it or lose it or anything else."
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