The 1-2 double by Quintana and Valverde at Wednesday’s mountain stage at the Volta a Catalunya was the culmination of excellent team work from Movistar all day, especially on the decisive climb and the approach through the Cat. 1 Túnel de Collabós, 30 km from the finish. Erviti, Szmyd and Karpets set the initial tempo before leaving it to Plaza, Capecchi and Herrada to keep their leaders in good positions on the decisive climb.

The squad will now try to defend its lead on Thursday on the second mountain-top finish of the race, following a long trek (218 km) between Llanars and Port Ainé (HC) that also features the demanding Port del Cantó.

“I'm really satisfied,” stage winner Nairo Quintana said. ”I had hoped for this victory to come since I started my season in Andalucía, and especially since Paris-Nice, where a crash prevented me from getting a better result and left me sad. This victory is a boost for my morale and confidence. There was a strong headwind at the top of the climb and our strategy was to wait for that very last moment to attack.”

“The attack by Wiggins increased the speed and it was really good for us to know the climb, since we knew that the hardest point came at the end of it. I saw a good moment to attack and it was just when Rodriguez made his move, but I didn't see him because I jumped earlier, as soon as I saw the turn where I had thought of attacking. I had good legs and could keep the speed until the end. Having Alejandro at your side makes you calmer, but not only yourself, also the entire squad. There was a strong cooperation between all of us today. I know the final climb of tomorrow's stage too, since I did a recon last year, though that stage was shortened.”

Starting at 15.15 on Thursday Cyclingquotes.com will bring you live coverage from the 4th stage of the Volta a Catalunya.