Heras' predictions on Valdelinares

On Stage 5 of the Vuelta a España, Liberty Seguros' Roberto Heras was one rider who placed himself in a good position before the final climb of the Alto del Castillo, and in the end, placement proved decisive, with just 35 riders finishing in the first group that was led home by Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole).

"I had good sensations [on the climb], but the good placement did a lot," said Heras. In the sprint, I had to be there [at the front] because the road went slightly up. In the battle for the general, I have [Carlos] Sastre and [Francisco] Mancebo ride well. Aitor Gonzalez has lost time, but not too much; he fell because there were a lot of nerves. [José] Azevedo also lost time, but he has enough quality to make war when we know what condition he comes in to the Vuelta."