Time trial disappointment

Today's individual time trial did not go to plan for the team. Samu did well to claim 21st place, but Mikel and Haimar did not live up to expectations. Mikel ended up 27th, at 1:42, while Haimar finished a lowly 100th, at more than 3 minutes. Not the best of days to say the least. Samu, though, was reasonably upbeat: "I'm pleased so far", he said. "I'm pleased 'cause I've improved my form markedly compared to my ITT in the Dauphiné. That kind of data is important to me. I cannot complain on the result, as this was a TT for the specialists. I'm improving little by little." Mikel was not so positive: "I thought I was going to do better. In the Dauphiné ITT, which was not really adapted to my characteristics, I did well and ended up 4th. Today's parcours was more suited to me, but it didn't go to well and I cannot be content. I had hoped to gain time on the climbers, but I haven't. There's many days left though, so we'll continue to fight." Haimar had this to say: "I didn't feel well right since the start. I know that I'll improve as the race unfolds. I've prepared especially for the mountains this year, as that's where I think the final outcome will be decided. I'm convinced the last ITT will work out better for me, as then it's all about the state of form." Stage results:

• 21st, Samuel Sánchez, 1:31
• 27th, Mikel Astarloza, 1:42
• 72nd, Gorka Verdugo, 2:57
• 100th, Haimar Zubeldia, 3:22
• 113th, Egoi Martínez, 3:35
• 114th, Juan José Oroz, 3:36
• 124th, Iñaki Isasi, 3:45
• 135th, Amets Txurruka, 3:54
• 145th, Rubén Pérez, 4:08