Young Chad Haga proved his great potential for time trialling when he finished fourth in today's Vuelta Burgos TT. The Giant-Shimano rider lamented a mistimed catch of his minute-man which probably cost him a podium spot.

Chad Haga has finished the final stage individual time trial at the Vuelta a Burgos just outside the podium placings in fourth, a close three seconds off the stage winner’s time. Haga averaged over 50.5 km/h on the 12.5km course but just fell short.

Lawson Craddock placed 12th on the stage a further 12 seconds back while best young rider Daan Olivier placed 15th and in doing so moved up from 10th to eighth on the overall classification.

The final stage time trial was a fast fairly flat effort starting and finishing in Aranda de Duero and the result of the stage would decide the overall classification with the first two on GC joint on time prior to the stage.

Team Giant-Shimano’s focus was on strong races for Haga and Craddock, both capable of challenging for the stage, with Olivier also looking to protect his top ten placing overall.

By the end of the day all three finished in the top 15, with Olivier moving up two places overall to eighth on GC by the end of the day.

Team Giant-Shimano coach Lionel Marie said after the race was all wrapped up: “It was a good time trial by the guys today – Chad just missed out on a podium place by very little. He lost a second or two when he caught his minute man on a corner and couldn’t get past but it was a strong race nonetheless.

“Overall it was a good week from the guys. One second place and two thirds as well as the best young rider. We had a young team here and they showed well each day, working well together and with a good team spirit. It will serve them well for the big races coming up.”

After his fourth place on the stage, Haga said: “It was disappointing not to win today as I knew it was a good opportunity. Technically I had a perfect race but what I lacked today was winning legs.

“I am still improving after my summer break but I am not yet where I need to be to win. It didn’t cost me the win but I lost some time when I caught my minute man at the worst possible moment in the narrow twisty last 100m. I couldn’t get around him and had to scrub a lot of speed likely costing me a place on the podium.

“On the whole though I am encouraged by this week of racing and look forward to my next races.”