Joaquim Rodriguez comfortable in pursuit of Vuleta win
Katusha's Joaquim Rodriquez has said that he is in a good position to win this year's Vuelta a Espana despite the strong competition he faces in the remaining stages.
The Spaniard led in the general classification after Stage 10 in the event, only to slip down to fourth place a day later.
But after winning Saturday's stage and some impressive climbing on Monday, Rodriguez is back in the sought-after red jersey.
He is 33 seconds ahead of Liquigas-Doimo's Vincenzo Nibali and 53 seconds ahead of Xacobeo-Galicia's Ezequiel Mosquera.
The top nine riders in the overall standings are within five minutes of the number one spot, ensuring that there will be a tough fight for the general classification victory this week.
“Being the leader of the Vuelta at this stage of the race is perfect in my mind. I don’t rate Nibali and Mosquera as the only dangerous riders for me. [Frank] Schleck is still able to win the Vuelta as well," Rodriguez said.
After performing well in several climbing stages, Saxo Bank's Schleck is in fourth place in the general classification, two minutes and 16 seconds behind Rodriguez.
"All the riders who are up on GC still seem to have great form at the end of the Vuelta. As for myself, I have planned my season very well and that’s why I still feel good now.”
Confident ahead of time trial
It has been said that Rodriguez, who finished eighth in this year's Tour de France, will slip down the overall standings in the time trial when the Vuelta resumes on Wednesday.
But despite proven time trialist Nibali lurking just behind him, Rodriguez said he believes he can hold his own over the 46km in Penafiel. Ater all, he has already reached two of his goals at the Vuelta.
“I came to the Vuelta with three goals: 1. to wear the red jersey, 2. to win a stage, 3. to win the Vuelta. As I have already reached two of these three goals, I can only be satisfied. If I don't win the overall classification, it wouldn’t be a drama but I think I can do it.”
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