Vuelta a Andalucia. Miguel Angel Lopez is second in Alcalá la Real

Miguel Angel Lopez launched a powerful counterattack inside the final kilometer of Stage 2 atop the castle hill in Alcalá la Real. He tried his best to catch the solo leader Alessandro Covi, but finished second, just three seconds behind Covi.

“Well, it was a good try, and I am happy with the legs I had today. Indeed, my feeling was good, and I was motivated to try something in the end. I started my counterattack a bit from behind, but in a moment I almost caught the wheel of Covi. However, he stayed strong in front, and I finished second. I believe, I also paid a bit in the end because I lost a lot of energy chasing the peloton after my crash. Fortunately, I did not get any serious injury in that crash, but it was not easy to make my come back to the group. However, it was a good day for us, and I am looking forward to the next stages”, – explained Miguel Angel Lopez.

 

“It was our plan to try something in the final part, but we had to change our plans after that crash with some 50 kilometers to go. Miguel Angel lost some time for a bike change after his crash and afterwards it took time for him to get the group back. So in the final we did all we could and I believe Lopez still looked strong at the finish. We see how his form is progressing and we are still there for the fight for the General Classification”, – added Giuseppe Martinelli, Sports Director of Astana Qazaqstan Team.

After two stages Miguel Angel Lopez is third in the overall standings, just 8 seconds behind the new race leader Alessandro Covi. Harold Tejada, who finished 13th today, is 14th overall, 16 seconds behind the leader.

Astana Qazaqstan Team is leading the team classification of the race.

Photo credit: @Gettysport