"I wanted to win, but I console myself looking at the new ranking." It’s a Vincenzo Nibali tired but satisfied on the finish line in Calar Alto. "It was a very difficult day with so much rain and two long and challenging climbs, but at the end I’m happy”.

"I have to thank the whole team for the great work have done for all the stage: Visconti was on the day’s break and he helped me on the last climb off, my brother Antonio and Pellizotti marked a very good climbing pace”.

"In the last 3 kilometers, I tried to surprise my rivals but I have found a lot of front wind and a Lopez that the in final has gone stronger. I have recovered several positions in the GC and this is an important result. Froome is proving to be really in a good shape and it will not be easy to beat him”. 

Nibali finished 3rd behind the winner, Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez and after the race leader Chris Froome. Thanks to his performance, Vincenzo is now 2nd  with a 1.19 gap from the British rider.

"Vincenzo was very good - says Head of Performance Paolo Slongo - but it's important to emphasize the great teamwork. In the standings we have recovered and in the weekend we will find another hard climbs”.

Meanwhile, after two challenging stages, the 12th will bring the peloton from Motril to Anteguerra after 160 kilometers. The route also has a long first category ascent - the Puerto del Leon, 17k with an average slope of 4.9% - but that ends at 60 kilometers from the finish line and then too far to attempt a decisive attack.

(All pictures attached can be used for editorial and non commercial usages only and are copyright protected - © Team Bahrain-Merida/ @BettiniPhoto)