Santiago Buitrago after winning Burgos opener: "We will look to keep the leader jersey"

Santiago Buitrago has been nothing but one of the biggest breakthrough talents this season, and he is far from done as today he soared to the win on the opening stage of the Vuelta a Burgos.

“I’m really happy to win today. Last year I tried on this stage, but I have more experience and timed my attack well. I felt good and had great support from the team, and Yuki helped bring me to the front in a great position to attack," Buitrago said after the finish in the Burgos cathedral.

The Colombian is teaming up with Mikel Landa, Wout Poels and Gino Mäder who will also be racing the Vuelta a Espana, and using the five-day race as preparation. Buitrago was an outsider for today's punchy finish, but timed his move to perfection at the base of the final ascent, and took advantage of the immediate lack of response to ride towards a solo win.

"Now we go day by day and focus on the GC," he pointed out. Having shown great performances in the mountains this year he has with no doubt put himself in a strong position for the overall win, but Bahrain - Victorious do not only have him as an option. "We have a strong team here with Mikel and Gino, and we will look to keep the leader jersey," he concluded.