Quintana has Contador to thank
No one could possibly begrudge Nairo Quintana his victory at this Vuelta a España – the Colombian looked the strongest and most consistent rider in the race – but it might not have happened were it not for Alberto Contador.
It was the Spaniard who tore up the script on stage 15, rolling the dice and creating an extraordinary day-long break with Quintana and several others, putting Froome well and truly on the back foot. With the Tour de France champion shorn of teammates, the break stayed clear until the final climb, where Quintana gave it everything to maximise his gains.
By the line, he put 2:40 into Froome, some 1:19 greater than his overall victory margin. Even allowing for the difficulty in which Froome found himself on the climb, it's fair to say that's where the race was won. Had Froome and his teammates been more alert in the opening kilometres of the stage, he'd have ridden into the red jersey during the time trial and might well have won his first Vuelta.
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Movistar have come in for a fair bit of criticism in recent years for their lack of ability – lack of willingness, some would argue – to take the fight to Sky and inflict real damage. Stage 15 served as a convincing riposte as they attacked Froome in the chase group to prevent his dropped teammates getting back on, and then disrupted his rhythm on the final climb.
They can't, however, claim full credit; without Contador the instigator, it would never have happened at all. (PF)
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