Early in the 15th stage of the Vuelta Steven Kruijswijk decided to attack. Because he got caught on the last climb towards Sierra Nevada he only became 15th in the stage result. In the general classification, however, Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s captain moved up two places, from fourteen to twelve.

“We wanted to try something else to win some places in the classification”, Kruijswijk said. “I anticipated possible attacks. It was a kind of ‘all or nothing’ game. I divided my forces throughout the day. At the end, I fell short a bit anyway. I’m glad that I have tried it like this though. I rather race this way than getting dropped anonymously.”

“It’s a pity that Steven couldn’t stay in front of the group of favourites, but his performance should satisfy him”, sports director Sierk-Jan de Haan said. “Of course, it’s nice that he has gained two spots in the general classification.” Kruijswijk attacked at a key point, according to De Haan. “We had indicated it like that beforehand. Steven had the legs and saw the opportunity on that nasty climb and he also got accompanied by the good riders”, De Haan concluded.