Duo remain optimistic

Despite admitting they've both performed below expectations so far in the Vuelta, Igor Antón and Mikel Nieve were both optimistic when facing the press at today's rest-day in Verín. The former, billed as the number one favourite for the crown pre-race, will be looking for a stage-win to salvage some pride. "The mountainous stages will be hard, the Manzaneda, Farrapona, Angliru... There are many stages left and we'll try to get into the mix. I'm motivated and hope to grab a stage. We're having a fantastic season with wins in the Giro and the Tour. Let's hope we can take a win here as well!"

Mikel Nieve had this to say: "The last few days haven't gone as well as we had hoped. That's a fact. But we still have numerous stages in front of us where we can do great things. We've reached the mountains: the terrain most favourable to us. We'll give it our all. We're animated and we aim to win a stage. A win would close out a great season for us. I'm confident we'll get out of this situation on top."