Samu: "This win is for the team"

Samu Sánchez was a happy man after taking his third Vuelta win earlier today. When speaking to his team's homepage, Samu emphazised the great work of his team-mates. "First of all, I want to thank my team-mates for the brilliant work they did for me today. They had confidence in my possibilities and they gave it their all. Haimar was in the break and Igor saved strength for the Monachil climb but, other than that, the rest of the squad was at the front to reduce the break's gap. This win is one for the team, as the whole team worked well today." Talking of his ride, he said: "I didn't fade on the ascent of the Monachil. I could have given it more gas (when on the climb), but already in 2006 we saw that the slope is very technical in the beginning and that the final kilometres demand a lot of effort. If you don't arrive (in the final kilometres) with something in reserve, you ain't got a chance. The last part was all about strength, so it was important not to suffer too much and to save something for the last kilometres." "I attacked three kilometres from the top. Earlier me and Igor both tried to attack, but we didn't get clear. Though, once I was reeled back in I managed to recover and try it again. When I reached the summit I tried to catch Cunego. I succeeded in that, and then it was all about catching Beltrán. We cooperated well together, and I was able to beat him in the sprint. I knew I had possibilities (to win), but Beltrán is a great rider with much experience so it was necessary to fight till the end." On the remainder of the race, the Asturian stated:" This victory is great for the team. We regarded this stage as a stage where we might win, and we've done it! Now we will continue to try to reach the podium. Though, this will be very difficult as the riders ahead of me on GC are not yielding anything. Anyway, I'm feeling good, and we will try to do something on the remaining stages even though there aren't many left."