Many observers believed that Thursday’s stage in the Vuelta a España would be a relatively relaxed affair after the individual time trial on Wednesday and prior to the mountainous challenges lurking on the horizon during the weekend.

Due to the wind, however, a relaxed affair was turned into a hectic day with a punishing finale. Second placed Nicolas Roche (Saxo-Tinkoff) was among the riders who were surprised at how the events of the day unfolded.

“I thought it would be a quiet day but the wind obliged us to stay very attentive during the whole stage,” Roche declared. “I opted for staying away all day. It’s not been a rest day but I’m ok. Yesterday evening, after the time trial, I was exhausted. The daily ceremony takes energy from me every day. I must be careful.”

Roche managed to gain a couple of bonus seconds during the stage and thus narrowed the gap to race leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and solidify his position as runner-up. Roche now trails Nibali by 31 seconds prior to Friday’s stage.