Alejandro takes 3rd overall at the Vuelta

Alejandro takes 3rd overall at the Vuelta

and wins the points classification

Alejandro’s final overview:

“This Vuelta was satisfactory for me. I’m still there, fighting with the top guns. I was fully into overall contention till the very last day, I came close a couple of times to a stage victory… especially after the Tour I made, where I’m sure I could have got a podium finish shouldn’t have I suffered that incident – that gives me confidence for the upcoming years. I was very regular, and the best proof of that was the green jersey. Getting twice on the final podium is something to be happy about. With only the Worlds left in this season, it’s a great season, as well for me as for all the Movistar Team.

“We knew Horner was a great rider, but his age made us have some doubts about him being able to stay so strong until the final week. He didn’t only achieve that, but also proved to be the best man in the race – he’s a deserved winner. The forced between Nibali, Purito and myself were more equal. There were some days when I was stronger than the other ones, but more or less we were at the same level. I think all podium places make justice to what we saw on the road.

“The commitment from my team-mates, from the first to the last one, was amazing. I was protected by them in all points of the race – I’m extremely thankful for that. It was a really hard Vuelta, not only due to the routes but also with the weather conditions and the long transfers. My worst day was La Gallina: I was completely cracked, I even thought of abandoning, but thanks to my team-mates and the support from the fans, I could bounce back. The crowds were simply fantastic in this race. You realize that when climbing, but also yesterday when I got back from L’Angliru and the people were still there in the rain, waiting for us to pass by for a few seconds. It’s something I admire from the fans – I thank them for all.”

(Press release: www.movistarteam.com)