Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) currently sits in third place overall in the Vuelta al País Vasco, tied on time with Joaquin Rodriguez and Andreas Klöden. Three stages down, three to go. For the Basque crowd, it would be perfect if the Euskaltel-Euskadi rider could win the race. But the final time trial on Saturday will be a difficult task, as even Miguel Indurain admits.
Sánchez says that many ingredients for tough racing are the same as every year in the Vuelta al País Vasco. "The route and the big names are a characteristic of País Vasco. The hilly terrain and a luxury palmarès. Purito Rodríguez, Kiryienka and Vinokourov are riders with a brilliant palmarès. Then there is the leadership of Klöden."
One thing sets the race apart this year in an area where the spring is often marked by rain. "What's different to other editions is the temperature. It is very hot." Those extreme temperatures come a little early. "It is one thing to have heat in June or July, when you have trained under those temperatures and the body is used to it. It is another thing to practically come out of the winter and the thermometer shows 30 degrees centigrade."
The Spaniard believes that this could be the deciding factor in the race's outcome. "This adds toughness to the race and it remains to be seen how the competition develops."
Sánchez tried to save his energy today and was thankful for Euskaltel-Euskadi to keep things in check. "They did a very good stage. In the end, we controlled the race, because there was a complicated section." The team put its stamp on the race there. "We went very fast, to avoid any attacks," Sánchez says. They especially had to keep the Movistar team in check. "Tondo tried his luck and we needed to respond."
It was finally Alexander Vinokourov who went away. "He showed his strength, experience and wisdom." After a hot day in the saddle, Sánchez has just one thing on his mind. "I want to recover from the efforts." Stage four can be very important for Sánchez. "Tomorrow we will tackle the Arrate, which on paper stands out in this Vuelta."
Five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain sees it similarly. "Sánchez needs to get a gap in the race before the final time trial," Indurain told El Diario Vasco. "There are some very good time trialists and it will be difficult for Sánchez."
In the mean time, Sánchez enjoys racing at home. "It is really exiting for the fans. We hope that the affection carries over into the race for a great spectacle!"