Mate: “It was my goal since I’ve learned a La Vuelta stage would start in front of my home”

Luis Angel Mate (Cofidis), Polka-dot jersey and most aggressive rider: “It was my goal since I’ve learned a La Vuelta stage would start in front of my home, on the road where I train everyday. It was the opportunity to ride there in race, and it’s been a special day for me, riding at home and taking that jersey. We expected a start with with many attacks for the KOM points. De Gendt and Rolland were there so as soon as we opened a 10” gap, we knew the bunch would have to push really hard to get back to us. We worked well together and I battled with De Gendt and Rolland, we were the three strongest in the climbs. I’m delighted to have won against strong riders and to wear this jersey tomorrow. Now that I have it and with a cat-1 climb tomorrow, I’ll have to be in the break again.”