Carlos Sastre has had a quiet season today date with his Geox TMC team but his form appears finally to be on the up after a strong display in the Tour of Austria. The 36 year old finished third overall in the race, three minutes five seconds behind Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) and 37 second behind Leopold Koenig (NetApp).
The race comes at the same time as the Tour de France, which he won three years ago and had hoped to take part in this year. His team was passed over for a wildcard selection, though, and so he had to refocus his ambitions on the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España.
The former didn’t go particularly well; he was ill in the build-up to the race and wasn’t firing on full cylinders in the Grand Tour. However seventh overall in the Tour of Slovenia and now third overall in Austria show that, with the Vuelta five and a half weeks away, he is heading in the right direction.
“When I arrived at this race my physical condition was not the best, but I didn't feel bad either,” he said after yesterday’s final stage. “I've tried to stay always among the best riders and to improve the fourth position I was before the time trial. I've been able to achieve it and that has allowed me to be on the podium of the Tour of Austria, which for me is very important at this moment.”
Speaking after Saturday’s time trial, he emphasised then how important a good ride there was for his morale. “I knew that if I had a good trial I could make up those seconds that were keeping me from the podium… I’m in good shape, stage after stage I felt really good, on the climbs I managed to stick it out and keep pace with my rivals, and today also everything went really well. I’m happy because after the difficulties in the first part of the season, this result gives a boost to my morale and confidence.”
Sastre’s high overall finish occurred thanks to solid performances on key stages. He finished fourth on stage two to Kitzbüheler Horn, one minute 22 seconds behind solo winner Kessiakoff. He came home in a 23 man front group the following day, then was in another select group on stage four. He was fourth overall prior to the time trial and moved up a place in netting 28th in the race against the clock.
At 36 years of age, his career is heading towards a finale. He wants to register some more big performances before finally hanging up his wheels, particularly as he hasn’t finished on the podium of a Grand Tour since the 2009 Giro. He won two stages then and was elevated from fourth to third afterwards when Danilo di Luca was disqualified.