Crosswinds played a major role during yesterday’s stage 3 in the Vuelta a España splitting the peloton and making it difficult for the riders in the groups that were caught out to bridge the gap.

One such group consisted of Pieter Serry (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), Thibaut Pinot (FDJ), Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r) and Mikel Nieve (Euskaltel). Eventually they would bridge the gap and minimize their losses but it took a huge effort.

“In the crash, I lost about one minute and it took a lot of effort for me to come across," Nieve explained. "Chasing with the crosswinds was not the easiest thing to do. After the Tour de France, I’m not in my best shape but I’m relieved that I’ve limited my losses at the end.”

Nieve is currently 27th overall, 1'27" behind race leader Chris Horner (RadioShack-Leopard).