Katusha’s Dani Moreno took over the leader’s jersey from Nairo Quintana (Movistar) after Stage 4 of the Vuelta a Burgos. Moreno finished 9th in Villarcayo, two seconds behind stage winner Lloyd Mondory (Ag2R). Quintana finished at three seconds. Moreno and Quintana are quite equal now in the GC. Tomorrow’s time trial will decide on the overall victory.

Dani Moreno thinks it is nice to go into the TT with the leader’s jersey. He says that neither him or Quintana is TT specialists so everything is open.

“This is nice. Nothing is decided yet but this leader’s jersey is already a beautiful compensation for my two second places in earlier stages this week. José Azevedo told us at the meeting to be attentive to the two corners in the last 500 meters. They could cause a gap in the front group, which happened. I sprinted keeping that in my mind, as a precaution, not trying to cause a gap. Of course when I saw the gap behind me after the second corner, I sprinted full gas. The one second loss for Quintana gives me the overall lead now. Quintana and I are both climbers and not TT specialists. It will be an open battle tomorrow but I am motivated and will defend this jersey. I will start with the idea that I can win the race,” said Dani Moreno.

DS Jose Azevedo says it is a good thing that Quintana starts before Moreno so the team will be able to match times with the Colombian.   

“For us it is good that Quintana starts before Dani in the TT. Then we have some reference times. I am very happy about today. The whole team did a good job. Egor Silin went in the first break. Unfortunately one Euskadi rider, being too close in the GC, was part of that breakaway and the Movistar riders did not let them go. In the final there was the impressive attack of Alexander Kolobnev on the Alto de Retuerta. Along with Blel Kadri (Ag2R) he stayed in the front until 3 kilometers from the finish. Alexander is ready for the Tour of Spain,” said team director José Azevedo.

A group of some 40 riders caught Kolobnev and Kadri and sprinted for the stage win. Lloyd Mondory was faster than Vincente Reynes (IAM Cycling) and Sébastien Turgot (Ag2R).

Tomorrow’s time trial in Aranda de Duero is 12,45 kilometers long.