Distributing my strength was the right decision

“I felt much better than I did on Saturday. The weather was really wet today and it rained all day long but I coped with it quite well. I lost some time on Rodriguez but the time loss on Basso or Scarponi is practically insignificant,” Roman said.The Astana team tried to launch an attack on the last downhill. “We thought that if we rode at the front we would shake off some riders but unfortunately, it didn’t work out,” he regretted.On the final ascent Roman stayed at the front and watched out for any attacks. After Rodriguez´s attempt to break away none of the riders responded. “He was the only one who was able to gain some time, the others, including myself, were pretty much on the same level. I didn’t intend to react to Basso´s or Scarponi´s acceleration as I did not want to burn myself out. I rather followed my own pace and distributed my strength. At first, a relatively big gap opened up but I kept a cool head and with a steady pace I almost got back on.  It was the right thing to do,” he added.  15th stage (Busto Arsizio-Lecco/Pian dei Resinelli, 172 km): 1. Rabottini (Ita) 5:15:30, 2. Rodriguez, 3. Losada (Spa) +23, 4. Henao (Col), 5. Scarponi, 6. Basso +25, … 8. Roman Kreuziger (Cze/Astana)+29, … 12. Hesjedal (Can) +39, 16. Tiralongo (Ita) +54, 19. Cunego (Ita) +1:11.