Kim Andersen

We tried to keep Sastre up front ahead of the climb, where it all exploded, ... Of course, it would've read more

We tried to keep Sastre up front ahead of the climb, where it all exploded, ... Of course, it would've been more fun if we'd had a rider in the break, but I'm pretty satisfied with the fact that we had three guys in the second group with all the big favourites.

It was definitely a good result because it was a really tough test today, where only those riders who are read more

It was definitely a good result because it was a really tough test today, where only those riders who are in shape had any chance of doing well,

It was really beautiful for Carlos and I think it was also important for his own moral that he got read more

It was really beautiful for Carlos and I think it was also important for his own moral that he got to see himself in a situation where he was just as strong and perhaps even stronger than the other favorites. If there hadn't been that flat bit half way up the climb, I actually think he could have taken the stage.

Carlos felt really strong at the foot of the decisive climb, so we put Calvente and Piil up front to read more

Carlos felt really strong at the foot of the decisive climb, so we put Calvente and Piil up front to set the pace. With about six kilometers to go Carlos hit a bad patch and instead of risking a total meltdown, he made the sensible choice to ride at his own pace and he did actually manage to limit his time loss quite well. The other day Carlos was a bit better than Mancebo and today it was the other way round. The time differences are still very small. The way it looks right now Heras and Menchov are the strongest. But there's almost two full weeks left and a lot can happen in that time.

This promises well for Carlos' chances in the rest of the race. We had a feeling he'd be in top read more

This promises well for Carlos' chances in the rest of the race. We had a feeling he'd be in top shape after finishing well in the Tour and later having the time to prepare himself and spend time with his family without being troubled by injuries, illness or stressful contract negotiations. But just before a race starts you always get a little nervous anyway.