Nairo Quintana (Movistar) surprised the world by taking a formidable 2nd behind world time trial champion Tony Martin to hold off Richie Porte in the GC battle in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco. With his first big World Tour stage race victory under his belt, the tiny Colombian refused to be drawn into any speculation on the limits of his potential.

Nairo Quintana entered today's decisive time trial in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco level on time with pre-race favourite Richie Porte but few expected the Colombian to pose any real threat to the Australian time trial specialist. The world was stunned when he had already taken 10 seconds out of the Sky captain at the intermediate check and the surprise was even greater when he managed to finish a full 23 seconds ahead of his rival.

The time trial was not one for the specialists. On the contrary, it was held on a very hilly and technical course and the wet conditions made bike handling skills even more important. Quintana admitted that his performance had exceeded his own expectations and that he was greatly assisted by the nature of the course.

"I'm super happy with this victory and this time trial, that went quite better than I expected," he said. "I was fighting for such a victory since Paris-Nice, felt really good all these days and was able to confirm today that good feeling on the road."

" It was quite a good parcours for me: it had flat sections, where I don't do bad at all, also some slopes and several turns - as it was also a short TT, it suited me well. We rode with calmness and confidence, distributing my strength equally over the course, and it went well. The roads were slippery and we had to take some risks into the descents; actually, I was close to crashing once, but at the final descent, I already knew I had a good gap and could take things easier."

Doesn't know his potential

Quintana was a late inclusion in the Movistar roster for the race as he had just finished a hard Volta a Catalunya in 4th overall - after winning a mountain stage along the way - and a recon of the key stages in the Pyrenees of this year's Tour de France. He is expected to make his Tour debut this summer where he will line up as the key domestique for team leader Alejandro Valverde.

With today's victory, expectations for his performance in July's race have increased, but the Spaniard chose not to be drawn into any speculation on his future potential.

"It's my first victory in such a big race - it's something wonderful, it makes me really happy," he said. "I don't know yet how far I can get: I'm relatively young and we're yet to see how my body progresses."

Colombian domination

With compatriots Sergio Henao ending up in 3rd and 7th position, the race had been a big demonstration of the potential of Colombian cycling. The tiny climber was happy to be able to deliver cause for joy in his home nation.

"I dedicate this victory to my team, my teammates, assistants, technicians and Eusebio Unzue (Movistar team manager, ed.) who cares for me, helps me through difficult times and always has confidence in me. This victory is for all of them and for the fans who support us in Colombia and around the world. It fills me with pride to know that my compatriots and I are improving the image of our home nation."

Quintana's victory was just the icing on the cake of a fantastic Movistar performance in the race. Benat Intxausti was third in today's time trial, and no less than 5 of the team's riders were in the top 17 today. Intxausti was 8th overall and Rui Costa 13th, Quintana won the points classification and the team triumphed in the team's classification.

With his victory, Quintana is now 4th in the world rankings.