Nine stages into the final Grand Tour of the season Sánchez trails race leader Daniel Moreno (Katusha) by 4’30” and Sánchez showed indications of good form as he finished fifth on Sunday's stage.

"I'm trying to live through this one like it was just another race. We're riders for Euskaltel-Euskadi until December 31st and we have to be professional right up until the last day,” Sánchez explained to Reuters.

"But what's clear is this team has been a reference point in the history of cycling and it is going to be remembered as one of the most important the sport has ever had."

Since turning professional in 2000 as a hopeful and talented 22-year-old, Sánchez has only ever ridden for the Basque team.

"I've always defended the orange colours and I'd like to have retired with them too," the 35 year-old said. "But I'm not worried about the future, what we have to do is worry about the Vuelta for now.

"We can't let the situation affect us, that's why we're paid to race."

The final Grand Tour of 2013 offers the team a last shot at winning a three week stage race as the sponsor has announced that they will terminate its longstanding relationship with the professional ranks at the conclusion of the on-going season. Sánchez’ chances of reaching the top of the podium look dim after his poor showing on stage two.