Luis León Sánchez was unable to defend his Paris-Nice title, finishing third, 25 seconds behind Alberto Contador. But the Caisse d'Epargne rider has no regrets and was quite happy with his form this early in the season.
Last year he also profited from a hunger knock that affected his main rival Contador. This year, Sánchez came up short, but still thinks his podium finish was a great achievement.
"I felt really great throughout the race," he said after the final stage on Sunday. "I would have loved to repeat my win from last year, but given I was riding on a good level, Alberto Contador was simply stronger and that made it difficult for us."
His teammate Alejandro Valverde finished second. Both are on the right track for a great season. "I have no regrets," Sánchez said. "I gave it my best and so did my teammates, whom I really want to thank, for all the efforts they put in every day."
Sánchez was only one second ahead of Roman Kreuziger in the final standings. "Today, I sprinted for the bonification seconds in the intermediate sprints, because I knew that would be enough to accompany Contador and Valverde to the podium. Caisse deserves this recognition after the work they put in all week." Sánchez finished second in the first sprint of the day and secured the two crucial bonus seconds.
After a few days of rest, Sánchez will race the Volta a Catalunya, which starts Monday, March 22 in Lloret de Mar.