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Nairo Quintana resists Chris Froome challenge to win Vuelta a España
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Nairo Quintana, the Movistar climbing expert had cemented his commanding lead over Froome during the mountain stage on Saturday.
As per the custom, Froome did not challenge Quintana on the ride into the Spanish capital on the 21st and final stage. On Sunday Quintana added the Vuelta a España win to the his other Grand Tour list of wins whiched included the 2014 Giro d’Italia.
“It’s been tough, I won’t lie, especially on the back of the Tour de France and then going to Rio for the road race and time trial at the Olympics,” Froome told Eurosport. “Coming here, it means I haven’t had much time at home for the last three months. I’ve had a lot time away from the family.”
“I woke up this morning feeling like the winner but I couldn’t raise my arms in celebration until I crossed the finish line,” Quintana said. “This is probably the most important win for me, considering the scenario and who I was racing against. Froome is a great rival.”
334 kilometers
Heat and nerves were again the enemies of Nairo Quintana and Movistar Team in the 18th stage of the Vuelta. The Colombian was well supported by Erviti, Sutherland and Rojas until the last three kilometers.
STATEMENTS:
Nairo Quintana: " It was a nervous day with some wind, but resolved without problem, very attentive and the team backing me well. At this point of the race legs go well; There fatigue, it is end of season and feels everything we carry, but that 's normal. We hope to finish these days equally well and solve that challenge I have with myself, starting tomorrow in the time trial.
It gives me confidence the new Canyon Speedmax chrono and travel is not entirely flat; my opponents does not help them much about me a path where it costs more pick up the pace in places where you have steep slopes, curves ... It is still a weakness that we have before the match, but somewhat less. I hope not to have to rectify myself tomorrow, but I hope, sure, losing seconds, but do not lose minutes.
Every time we are closer: today another day saved, the stages are not dislike us-otherwise, are tours that come it very well and we will give everything for this jersey . "