For Team Saxo-Tinkoff's Nicolas Roche, who is no time trial specialist, Wednesday’s individual time trial in the Vuelta a España was all about full speed ahead to compete with his nearest rivals in the GC.

Nonetheless, Roche clocked the fifth fastest time at the first intermediate only 17 seconds behind Cancellara (RadioShack-Leopard) and he was able to maintain that position at the second time check.

In fact, Roche did a splendid time trial to finish 6th on the day 1’48 » behind Cancellara and climbed to second overall behind Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) who conquered the leader's jersey.

“It was impossible to calculate because of the hill coming so soon but I had in mind to not put myself in the red,” Roche explained after the time trial. “Yet, I’ve pushed a bit too much in the hill and Valverde took some time on me. This is the first time I’m treated as a team leader. I have nothing to reproach to the staff of AG2R-La Mondiale [Roche’s former team], they did their best for me but it’s great to benefit from the experience of Bjarne Riis.”

Roche trails Nibali by 33 seconds going into today’s stage.