Yates: “The stage I feared the most”

Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott): “There’s still a lot of racing to come, hard stages ahead. The gaps are still small behind me. Nobody really attacked in the climb. My brother Adam was riding. Alejandro (Valverde) went at the beginning but we had the guys to cover his move with Jack (Haig) and Adam. Lopez went with 1.5km to go but again Adam closed him down. Alejandro opened his sprint and that’s where the gaps were created. My legs were similar than the day I won at Les Praeres. It was slightly longer and further in the race so it was more difficult. There’s no shame in losing a few seconds to Valverde and Mas in such a finale. I truly believe Andorran stages are much better for me. Of the stages left, this is the one I feared most. I know Andorra very well and I think the climbs suit me very well. Quintana will probably try to go early if he has the legs, so it makes my life more difficult. He lost one minute, it’s not that much. I’ll still be wary, I’ll be very careful but I’m obviously happy to gain time on him.”

Simon Yates and Nairo Quintana |  La Vuelta 18 Stage15. Ribera de Arriba > Lagos de Covadonga. Centenarios 2018
Simon Yates and Nairo Quintana | La Vuelta 18 Stage15. Ribera de Arriba > Lagos de Covadonga. Centenarios 2018 © PhotoGomezSport

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