In an intense battle of seconds Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) was the big loser in today's final time trial of Tirreno-Adriatico. Starting the day in 3rd overall, the Spaniard ended up 5th just 2 seconds off the final podium spot of Alberto Contador (Team Saxo - Tinkoff).

Few expected Joaquin Rodriguez to be able to keep his podium position in today's final time trial of Tirreno-Adriatico. Trailed in GC by stronger time triallists Alberto Contador and Michael Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), Rodriguez had a massive task ahead of him.

The Spanish climber once again proved his significant improvements in the discipline and ended up in 35th place just 43 seconds behind stage winner Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quick Step). Unfortunately, it was not enough to keep his GC spot, and once again a time trial proved to be the Spaniard's undoing.

The lost podium position caused disappointment. While some may argue that Rodriguez lost his chances with a weak performance in Saturday's mountaintop finish, last year's overall WorldTour winner pointed to the below-par performance in the opening collective effort as the main reason for his defeat.

"I am disappointed because I missed the podium with just 2 seconds," Rodriguez said. "Seeing the last stages, I think I deserved it. Anyway, I took a good stage victory, and the level of my performance was very high in this last part of the competition. The only regret was the starting stage of TTT, where we could at least gain 10 seconds."

Rodriguez is usually one of the most active riders on the WorldTour, and this year seems to be no exception. Being encouraged by his performance in Italy, he has his eyes fixed on the next WorldTour stage race to make up for today's disappointment.

"Now I am going to rest for a couple of days. Then I will take part in the Volta a Catalunya where I think I can fight for the GC victory."

The Catalonian race starts on Monday and consists of 7 stages. With a hilly parcours including two mountaintop finishes - and crucially no time trial - the race suits Rodriguez perfectly. Forced to miss his participation due to a knee injury last year, he will look to repeat his 2010 overall victory in the race.