Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel) was the main aggressor on the final part of yesterday's stage, but his attempt to win the stage was foiled by a wily attack by Richie Porte (Sky) inside the final kilometer. Disappointed to miss out on the stage win, the former Olympic champion kept focus on the bigger picture of his Giro preparation.

Samuel Sanchez knew that his condition was not at last year's level when he lined up to defend his victory in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco. His focus on the Giro made it impossible for him to peak in early April, and his big home race is more of a preparation event than a big target this year.

Hence, it was no surprise to see him miss out on a fourth consecutive win in the famous Arrate stage, and he has struggled to keep up with the best. However, on a true "Sanchez day" of attrition where most rivals went into survival mode, he bounced back and forced the selction among the favourites on the final climb.

He tried to get clear on the descent, but joined by race leader Henao he was caught by a select group moments later. Instead, Sky used their numerical advantage to send Richie Porte up the road and Sanchez had to be content with a sprint victory for 2nd.

Disappointed to miss the stage win, he was happy to see a week of hard racing having a good effect on his condition ahead of the Giro.

"On a very, very hard day, we were able to fight for the win, so I am satisfied with the progress of my condition," he said. "I had a chance to go for the win and I tried to take it, but it is difficult when you are outnumbered."

Sky were impressive

Most post-stage talk has centered on the performance of the diminished Sky team which controlled the race completely on a very difficult course. Sanchez was another one to praise the effort.

"Sky did a great race and controlled a very difficult day very well," he said. "They finished it off brilliantly. I congratulate them because they have been outstanding. It was difficult to take the win away for them, but I chose to go for the victory."

A difficult time trial

Sanchez is now 8th overall and faces today's decisive 24km time trial. The course is certainly not one for the specialists with a number of steep climbs, treacherous descents in rainy conditions and very technical sections.

Sanchez won the race against the clock on a similar course last year, and he is confident in his ability to perform today.

"Tomorrow is another day," he said." But first we have to recover from a tremendous effort like today's with cold, rain, snow. We saw the course two weeks ago, and it is very demanding and very complicated. We will see which feelings I have and how far I can get."

Starting at 15.25, you can follow the time trial on CyclingQuotes.com/live.