Steven Kruijswijk finished seventh in the penultimate stage of the Vuelta. The Dutchman attacked on the Angliru. As a result, he won one place in the general classification and will enter the final stage as the ninth-ranked rider.

This brings Kruijswijk to his adjusted goal, which was made after a lesser first week. "I felt good during the last week of the Vuelta", Kruijswijk said afterwards. "I wanted to go for the stage win. In the end, I came a little short."

After that disappointing first week, this stage was the confirmation that he can battle with the favourites. "That's what I had in mind when I started this Vuelta. I've shown that I can perform on the highest level, so I feel good going to Madrid. Because of the strong second half I’ve kept my confidence. This offers perspective for the future."

Sports director Addy Engels will travel to Madrid with a smile on his face. "Steven fought to the best of his abilities today", he said. "He has shown himself well in the third week and has a solid position in the top ten. In addition, I have seen a young team who have been competing well. Koen Bouwman and Antwan Tolhoek were in the escape yesterday and worked for Kruijswijk today. That's quite a performance."

The Vuelta is not over yet. Tomorrow is the last race in Madrid, and according to Engels, there are chances for Juan José Lobato. "He can win, but everything must be well in place. Juan looks good and can participate in a mass sprint for the win."