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Alejandro attacks again in the Tour of the Basque Country

Alejandro attacks again in the Tour of the Basque Country

He takes 2 in Ordizia after moving the race

Alejandro took the second place, 14 seconds behind Alberto Contador, of the first stage of the Tour of the Basque Country which took place today upon the distance of 153, 4 km with start and finish in the locality of Ordizia.
Alejandro attacked at 8 km from the finish in the second ascension of the Wall of Gaintza, a 2, 3 kilometers climb with an average gradient of 13 % and one kilometer at 16 %. Contador, after bridging the gap with the rider from Murcia, attacked alone one kilometer further away.  At the top, the gap between both riders reached 15”; on the finishing line: 14”.

Alejandro’s quotes:

“It was a day to take chances, because the team worked so much all day and I had good legs. I jumped away, felt strong, and Alberto was the only one who could folow me. Initially I felt confident, because I was seeing he wasn’t doing so well, but he attacked in the end of the climb and it was kind of unexpected for me. There was a strong headwind and I couldn’t close the gap. I wasn’t thinking he would open such a big gap, but these 15 seconds will count – they’re always important in one-week stageraces, where everything is down to a few of them. We gave it all for the win, but we must remain happy with 2nd. Contador was better than us – we can just congratulate him and fight back tomorrow. Gaps are still small and there are many hard days ahead, starting with tomorrow.”

(Picture Credit: Iñaki Azanza)