[Looking back on yesterday, the six bonus seconds Heras scored weren't intended to be a cushion for tomorrow.] We hadn't prepared anything ... But we were in front and Vicioso launched the sprint. They are only 6 seconds and I do not believe that they are very important for Sunday's time trial, but we had the opportunity and took advantage of it. |
[Meanwhile, Heras is not sure if he will race the 2006 Vuelta.] We will enjoy this fourth victory, ... In the winter we will see if there’s a fifth or if we go for other goals. |
[Stage 14 to ] Lagos is still left; a crucial day because it's a hard climb and being on a wheel will not count. We will see how Menchov reacts, because the fatigue comes to all of us and I'm still having good days. I feel good, and although I wanted to reduce the gap here, I came to the Vuelta to win and I will keep on trying. |
Before the (Tour) departure, I was in excellent condition. The first 10 days, I felt pretty good too. Then, once the mountains came along, it all went badly, ... Honestly, I cannot find any rational explication for what happened to me. I know, however, that I can do well in the race. The proof is that I have already finished fifth in the race [2000]. I finished on another occasion in the top 10 [ninth, in 2002]. I'm at ease with myself. I always prepare for a next race the best I can. |
I am feeling that my body feels 100 percent for this Vuelta, ... And during the Tour, it just wasn't like that, even though this year was better than last year. |
I am optimistic and the ‘chip' has been changed, because the Vuelta is a different race, ... It has nothing to do with the (Tour) from a month ago. |
I can't figure it out, ... I train for it just as seriously, but I just don't have the same strength. I prepare the same way when the Vuelta approaches, and everything falls together. In Spain I'm at ease and mentally I'm stronger than in other races. |
I can't place a particular value on this fourth overall win, I just do my work the best I can. It's up to others to say what value it has. |
I felt good, especially when I attacked about 5km to go, but I couldn't keep going because this climb isn't that hard. The hardest part was at the beginning and Menchov was glued to my wheel. |
I felt well, especially when I attacked in the tunnel with five kilometres to go, ... But I couldn't continue because this climb wasn't very difficult. The hardest bit was at the beginning, and Menchov stuck to my wheel so that didn't make it easier: there was a headwind. |
I had no problems at all, the team had everything under control. |
I had no problems, it was a routine stage. |
I have a big wound, but I am well and now it is necessary to wait and see how I feel tomorrow. I do not know how these cuts will affect me. I am very motivated and if this does not prevent me from riding tomorrow, I'll go forward. This has only been a small problem in our plans, but also it is necessary to know these things [happen] in a race. |
I still feel good, it's true, but Menchov hasn't failed and it looks like he hasn't done anything. I still have morale and even though I wanted to cut the time differences, I came to the Vuelta to win and I will keep trying. |
I was very surprised ... I am convinced it is a mistake because I have never taken anything. |