Rigoberto Uran emerged as the best general classification contender in the tricky Tuesday’s time trial, falling short only to most renowned specialists Tony Martin (Omega Pharma – Quick Step) and Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) on a surprisingly difficult course. Having tremendously improved his skills in that discipline since joining the Belgian squad, however, the 27-year old Colombian expected to use the stage to his advantage and remained full confident about his chances of reaching the podium in Santiago de Compostela.

Even though he was once regarded a pure climber, Omega Pharma – Quick Step redefined main strengths of the 27-year old Colombian, allowing him to use time trials to make up for time losses caused by his characteristic inconsistency in the mountains. While Uran still admits to be a level below such stage racing stars like Chris Froome (Team Sky), Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) or Nairo Quintana (Movistar), he keeps on working with a hope to claim a victory in one of Grand Tour events.  

“Not in the mountains,” Uran replied, when asked whether he can match Froome, Contador and Quintana. “Contador is a rider who has won many important races, several Grand Tours, the Giro, the Tour de France.. Purito is another crack. Quintana has already won the Giro … “

“You need to have an ambition to be within that group and mostly I am near. I have been very close to winning a Grand Tour. The level of such races makes it extremely difficult, but I am still working on it of course,” the 27-year old Colombian explained Biciciclismo.

Known for his relaxed attitude and sense of humour, the Omega Pharma – Quick Step leader joked about his expectations in regards to targeted spot in the Vuelta a Espana general classification.

“In Santiago de Compostela,” Uran answered after being asked where he would like to see himself when the Spanish Grand Tour comes to an end.

Eventually the Giro d’Italia runner up admitted that a podium result remains his objective and his performance in Tuesday’s time trial certainly improved his chances.

“Why not [on the podium]? Of course I would like that. Everyone in the team came with an ambition to finish the race on the podium and we continue to work on it, even though it’s complicated. My condition is getting better every day, though.”

“I have high hopes,” Uran said about Tuesday’s time trial to Borja. “I worked hard this year on my time trialing and I posted some very good results. But here we have Cancellara, Tony Martin.. I hope to do well against GC guys.”

The Omega Pharma – Quick Step leader also revealed some plans for the future.

“From the beginning I was scheduled to ride the Vuelta, Lombardy and Worlds. We want to ride well in World Championships, but honestly I haven’t seen the course.”