Damiano Caruso was unable to keep up with the best in the first mountain stage of the Vuelta a Espana and conceded 56 seconds to Alejandro Valverde. However, the Italian remains confident in his chances after a stage that didn't suit his characterstics.

Cannondale have lined up at the Vuelta a Espana with Damiano Caruso as their GC rider and the Italian faced his first test in yesterday's mountain stage. He fought valiantly to limit his losses and crossed the line in 16th, conceding 56 seconds to Alejandro Valverde.

Caruso who has signed a contract with BMC for the 2015 season, wasn't too concerned with his time loss.

”It was not an easy day, especially for the hot weather," he said. "The final climb was short but very hard. I knew I could get gapped today. The climb was not suited for me. But no drama – we’re just in the first week and I know I can have other chances before the finish.”