Today was a typical flatter stage. A group had already broken away by the third kilometer, and they had a lead of up to twelve minutes. Around 70 kilometers before the finish we managed to cut this to around six minutes, but the breakaways profited from the uncertainty in the peloton. Even Katjusha with Oscar Freire, who had already won on this stage, did nothing. At the end of the day it was Radioshack and Saur Sojasun that did most of the work. Still, three managed to get to the finishing line after 197.9 kilometers, with local matador Javier Ramirez claiming victory for the stage. I was able to stay up front as planned and came in 19th, which means I could defend 6th overall.

Hard stage to come

This stage was relatively slow, but it turned hectic towards the end. There was a lot of jostling and so our plan to prepare the sprint for Daniel Schorn ended up pointless. I personally felt good today and have been able to save my energy for tomorrow’s stage, which will be finishing uphill. The final stage may only be 300 meters up, but the final kilometer is said to be very hard. The conditions will be the best at just shy of 20 degrees and sunshine. Tomorrow will be one of the most challenging days here in Andalusia. In any case I’ll do my best to ride well.

Hasta mañana

Matthias