Sep 18, 2009
19th stage: Avila - La Granja. Real Fábrica de Cristales, 174km

The last mountain stage with three 1st category climbs was won by Juan Jose Cobo (Fuji-Servetto), who attacked two kilometres from the finish. Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) finished second and extended his overall lead. Tadej came back strong today, finishing 12th.

After the unsuccessful attack by 16 riders at the beginning of the race, there came to another attack. The trio of Daniel Martin (Garmin-Slipstream), Christophe Riblon (Ag2r-La Mondiale) and Eduard Vorganov (Xacobeo-Galicia) looked strong for a long time, but was caught 32 kilometres from the finish. Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Alejandro Valverde were the first men to reach the top of the last climb to Navacerrada. Tadej stayed behind three kilometres from the top.

Eight riders fought for the win in the final part of the route. Cobo jumped with two kilometres to race. His rivals finished two seconds behind, with Valverde taking the second place. Tadej was 12th (+1:34). In the general classification he is 30th (+50:38 behind Valverde).

I gave everything for the last time. It is the end of Vuelta for me today. I needed a result to boost my morale, but I can't be satisfied seeing some names in front of me. Cobo, Tiralongo... Nevertheless, I came back strong considering the situation I was in a few days ago. I hope though I will soon be able to forget this Vuelta.