Mattias Skjelmose proud to have proven himself as a Grand Tour GC contender: "Whatever happens tomorrow, I’m happy about this Vuelta"

Quite a common sight throughout this Vuelta a Espana, we have seen Mattias Skjelmose hanging onto the group of favourites by a thread when what was left of the peloton hit the early slopes of Picón Blanco. And while the 23-year-old Dane didn't pull off another pacing masterclass to finish third like the day before, he still achieved his main goal - defending the White jersey.

As Carlos Rodríguez dropped out of the battle for youth classification victory quite early on today, it came down to a 1-on-1 duel between Skjelmose and Florian Lipowitz. Ahead of the stage, there was 1:08 deficit for the German rider who previously rode in White as well during this Vuelta. Both riders had different responsibilities coming into the stage, but eventually they arrived side by side, 37 seconds behind stage winner Eddie Dunbar.

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Speaking to the Vuelta organisers after the stage, Skjelmose admitted that he's somewhat happy that there is only more stage left to ride. "It was a lot of pain, from the start. I didn’t feel very good. I feel the last three weeks in my legs. I hope I can keep the white jersey. I know [Florian Lipowitz] is a really good time trialist. I would say I am as well so I hope I can keep it [the white jersey]. I think my TT is really great, I’m the Danish champion and that says quite a lot I believe. But we will see."

Regardless of tomorrow's result, the Lidl-Trek rider already achieved his main objective for the race - to see whether he can fight for GC in three-week races. And with 6th place ahead of the final time trial, it's fair to say he succeeded. "Tomorrow is the last day of three hard weeks and bad legs can mean a lot but I’m looking forward and whatever happens I’m happy about this Vuelta."

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