2010 Vuelta a Espana: Stage 5 News, Notes and Quotes

In today’s Tour of Spain news, a moment of silence for Laurent Fignon, Farrar surprised by win, Cavendish jumps too early, plus other racing news…

• Today’s stage started with one minute of silence for Laurent Fignon, who died yesterday.
• Tyler Farrar notched his second stage win in the Vuelta a Espana today, beating Koldo Fernandez (Euskaltel) and Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia) in the final sprint. “I don’t know, it’s a surprise for me today!” Farrar said about his feelings on the win. I was ill yesterday, I was sick the whole race and all night last night. Finally this morning it was better. I guess it was all the adrenaline in the finish.” Farrar was asked about what motivates him in the sprints. “My motivation is to try to win, that’s the most important thing is to get victories for the team!” Director sportif Johnny Weltz summed up the performance in two words: “World class! “Tyler showed his class as the world’s best sprinter today, waiting for the right moment to make his move. With reports of headwind in the finish he waited to open his sprint at the last moment and won easily, even though he was very sick yesterday. It couldn’t have been a better moment as our kick off here in the Vuelta has been a bit mixed. So back on track now!”
• Koldo Fernandez, though not happy with second, was happy with his performance. “I am satisfied with the work, although I’m not entirely happy with the result. Once you get into the fight you like to win, and if you fail because you always is the penalty. This year I am still very regular. I come at a good form to the Tour and I’m confirming this is the best for me. They are the best sprinters in the world and have achieved a sixth and second. I’m optimistic about the future although I am aware that difficulty is great.”

• Mark Cavendish attacked too early, missing out on the chance to grab his first solo stage win at the Vuelta. He is missing most of the leadout team that propelled him to so many stage wins in the Tour de France.
• Team Quick Step did a nice lead out for Wouter Weylandt. He got closed in a little during the last 500 metres, but still ended in a nice fourth place behind Farrar, Fernandez and Cavendish. “In the final the team performed really well. Everybody did their job perfectly. At about 500 metres from the finish I was closed in a little bit and I spent a lot of energy to relaunch my bike. Anyway I’m happy about my sprint and I have good sensations. Other possibilities will come in the next days”,  Weylandt said after the stage.

• Frank Schleck held his position in eighth overall. “Today, we were trying to recover a bit from the first few demanding days and we want to be ready for tomorrow’s stage which actually might have a big impact on the race. 20 kilometers from the finish line, there’s another tricky category 2 climb which might cause drama,” said Saxo Bank sports director Bradley McGee after the stage.

Other Racing News:

• David Blanco, recent winner of the Tour of Portugal, has agreed to join the Geox team next season according to La Voz de Galicia. The rider is 35 years old.
• Fabian Cancellara is still committed to Saxo Bank for 2011, but it is no secret that several teams are interested in him. “I must admit that I have made some interesting offers, which also include long-term possibilities and go beyond the time as an active cyclist.” According to rumors, the BMC Racing team is particularly interested and offer him targeted, longer-term career opportunities.
• Dutch cyclist Theo Bos will make a return to the Rabobank team after a year with Cervelo. Bos started his professional career with the Rabobank Continental Team. Bos is delighted with his transfer. “I’m really looking forward to my return at Rabobank. I was last year’s course in a luxurious situation, but my choice was then absolutely not against Rabo. They offer me the best opportunities for my sporting goals.” Bos sprinted to ninth place in today’s stage.
• Przemyslaw Niemiec will join the Lampre team in 2011. Giuseppe Saronni, general manager of Lampre-Farnese Vini, finalised the contract that will allow the Polish rider to join the team in 2011.
• Niemiec was born in Oswiecim in 1980, he’s been a pro since 2002 and he has 11 career victories: the main ones are Pavullo stage in Coppi e Bartali 2010, Torri del Benaco stage in Giro del Trentino 2009, the final overall classification of Route du Sud 2009 and of Giro di Slovenia 2005.
• AG2R La Mondiale has confirmed the recruitment Italian Matteo Montaguti for one year. The climber, winner of the Giro della Reggio Calabria this season, joins his compatriot Rinaldo Nocentini in the team of Vincent Lavenu.