"If I was in the running during these first two stages, I can win the race" - Pavel Sivakov converts consistency in stage into overall lead in Andalucia

Pavel Sivakov is yet to win a stage during the on-going Volta a Andalucia, but he seems to be on a good way to claim the overal title after two third places in two first stages.

"It's great," rejoiced Sivakov at the end of the second stage. He wasn't able to raise his hands in Torrdelcampo, but that doesn't need to bother him as the UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider becomes the new GC leader. In addition, he holds more than a comfortable advantage over number 2 Clément Berthet.

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It's been two diametrically stages for Sivakov, yet both with the same result - third. During the opening stage, the French rider tried to attack from afar, but got caught and in the end missed a bit to follow Maxim Van Gils on the final slopes. "Yesterday already, I was quite surprised by my legs. I tried to go a little too far, maybe 60 km from the finish. I was alone for a while and I still managed to almost finish with the leaders."

Today, he tried to play a safer game and eventually managed to slip away with a group of five without the Belgian present at the front. "Once again, we did a very good job with the team. Maybe I started a little too early. The last 200 meters were very long on the flat."

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Although he has not yet managed to win this 71st edition of the Ruta del Sol, Pavel Sivakov's goal is now to bring home the overall victory with two slightly easier stages ahead. "I have the leader's jersey and I think we have a very good team to try to defend it. If I was in the running during these first two stages, I can win the race," he states confidently.

"Of course, it won't be easy. Tom (Pidcock) is quite close, Clément Berthet too," he recalled, he who only has a 23-second lead over his compatriot from the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale.

"You have to be careful every day. And the team will be very important to reach this first position. Yes, it's a good opportunity for me. You know, we have a very strong team and always, you know, when you have an opportunity like this, it's great to take it. And now it's up to me to finish the job. I'll do my best."

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