Today’s 38.8 kilometer long time trial in and around Tarazona formed the 11th stage of the Vuelta a Espana. The stretch around the city contained a third category climb that took away the top speed of the heavier specialist’s pace. However, one of the major favourites, Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack) has already shown impressive strength in the front of the field in this Vuelta and he set a new best time after thundering through the course in 51 minutes sharp.
For Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Nicolas Roche and Rafal Majka, it was all about full speed ahead to compete with their nearest rivals in the GC as neither of them are time trial specialists. However, Roche passed fifth at the first intermediate only 17 seconds behind Cancellara and he maintained that position at the second time check.
At the finish line, Fabian Cancellara was the big victor. Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Nicolas Roche did a fabulous time trial and climbed the GC to overall second behind Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) who conquered the leader’s jersey.
Team Saxo-Tinkoff DS, Fabrizio Guidi was pleased with the effort:
“Nicolas quite clearly confirms that he is in the shape of his life and that he is a candidate for the podium in Madrid – not only with this achievement but also with his performance on the mountain stage the other day. He is determined and he continues to fight. And the fighting spirit will be required with such strong opponents as Valverde and Nibali. Also Rafal did a fine time trial, and he is still in the top 10 as we had hoped, “said a content Guidi.