Koldo Fernández hopes for birthday present

Fernández wants to celebrate

Fernández wants to celebrate (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Koldo Fernández finished 14th in yesterday's bunch sprint of the 11th stage that was won by comeback man Alessandro Petacchi, but is now hoping for a birthday present on Thursday's 12th stage. The Spaniard declared after the race that "I spent lots of energy to place myself well, but in the decisive moment I didn't have anything left." His plan was the same that most sprinters have in mind when they hit the last few hundred metres. "My intention was to take Petacchi's wheel, but it is difficult. It is a wheel in great demand and you have to fight for it," Fernández realized that his idea was hardly unique.