Sylvain Chavanel battles on

Sylvain Chavanel is still leading the general classification after the tense stage in Cordoba. The French champion from Quick-Step Cycling Team now leads Spain’s Moreno by 15 seconds and Italian Nibali by 16 seconds. 

Sylvain Chavanel 
“Today’s stage was also a super fast one. After 30 kilometres I ended up in a break with 24 riders, due to continuous scats. On the Alto del Catorce por ciento I tried to stay alert and in the first positions in the peloton. I knew that the descent could have created some distances so I kept to the front. However the guys from Liquigas really pulled a number on the descent and I lost a few seconds. Overall it was a good day. Tomorrow, if there are no surprises, I should be able to hang on to the jersey in an arrival suited to sprinters. I only hope it’s not as hot as it was today and that for at least one day we can all catch our breath. From the very first day here at the Vuelta it’s been a battle.” 

Kevin Seeldraeyers 
“I’m happy with my performance today. On the top of the Alto del Catorce por ciento I saw Tony Martin take off and I thought it would be a good idea to follow him because I knew that we could go far with him. Our Sports Director Van Slycke had also warned me that the descent would be hard. So I chose to get a bit of an advantage, so I wouldn’t have to risk it in the descent. Overall it was a good day. We’ll see how it goes these next days.” 

Seeldraeyers held on to his 11th place in the rankings, 53 seconds behind his team mate Chavanel.