“The Shark” (El Tiburon as he's well known in Spain) was the first rider to win the Maillot Rojo when red became the trademark of La Vuelta's leader jersey in 2010. He also led the race for thirteen days in 2013, only to lose it to US veteran Chris Horner in the last three days.
What is your personal conclusion from the Tour de Pologne?
I'm happy with the answers I got about my state of form. I was returning from a period of altitude training so I knew that I couldn't be super competitive in Poland. Bearing this in mind, this ninth-place inclines me to say that I've worked well and I'll be in top shape for La Vuelta.
What are your ambitions for La Vuelta?
I've always liked La Vuelta. I have won it and the courses in Spain suit me. As always, I'll start to give my best and everyone will see on September 10 what I mean now.
What do you know about this year's course?
I don't know all the uphill finishes but some of them, I do! I know l'Alto de l'Angliru particularly well while for the other climbs, I'll ask my friend ‘Purito' [Joaquim Rodríguez, the man he deprived of the Maillot Rojo throughout the individual time trial in Peñafiel in 2010, is now an ambassador and advisor for his Bahrain-Merida team]. On paper, it looks to me like a “standard” Vuelta: hard and demanding.
How do feel reading the list of the other favorites: Froome, Contador, Aru, Bardet, Chaves, the Yates, Barguil, Majka, Zakarin, etc.?
They're all great riders and it guarantees a nice spectacle. Some come from the Tour de France and others have done the Giro d'Italia with me but all can target the podium or the final victory. I don't think there's one clear favorite. Moreover, I believe the course can generate some surprises.
Can we say that La Vuelta is the race that has made you a Grand Tour rider but also the Grand Tour that has left you the bitterest taste?
La Vuelta has convinced me that I'm a stage race rider. The red jersey brings me very intense memories back but so does the second place behind Horner (in 2013). But defeat is also part of sport and furthermore, I'm used to look ahead always.
How would you describe the atmosphere of La Vuelta?
I still have in ears the yelling of the aficionados, especially in the steepest parts of the climbs. The support of the Spanish fans makes it a very hot race but they're always fair and I must say that I like the warmth of the people and it's an energy thrust for me.
