Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team) lost 12 seconds on the Alto de Aia, the end of the fifth stage of the Tour of the Basque Country, and dropped to fourth place.

Although he has not lost all hope of repeating his 2013 triumph, Quintana knows that it will now be more complicated. "These stages are very explosive with walls that are best suited to them [Rodriguez and Henao]. The important thing is that I did not lose too much time. I will fight for the final podium. The victory will be a little more complicated, but I am still there, "he told Biciciclismo.

"The pollen affects me too. I am not looking for excuses. I know that the rivals are quite strong. And I have respect for them. As I said before the Vuelta, we should not underestimate our opponents because they have all trained and prepared well."

About the performance of his Movistar Team, je had no doubt: "They have done an excellent job. I may have lost time but the team's work has been spectacular."

Finally, he was happy with the performance of his compatriot Henao: "After all his problems, I'm glad to see him being on the podium at this level. He makes all Colombian riders and the whole country proud."