José Rujano Gillen (Androni Giocattoli) was the first rider to cross the line on the 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia. Runner-up Alberto Contador did not contest the sprint of the two riders who are above the rest in the mountains of the Corsa Rosa this year. It was a long time coming for Rujano, who took his only Giro d'Italia stage win six years agoin Sestrière.
Just staying with the Spanish race leader was a task in itself for Rujano. "Contador is a tremendous cyclist, it is very difficult to hold his wheel, so I am very happy with this victory," Rujano said after the race to EsCiclismo.com.
He was very active already on the volcano of Mount Etna and the only one able to follow Contador. On Etna, Contador stormed away in the end for the day's victory. He took it easier on the Venezuelan this time. "We had a pact," Rujano admitted. The overall consolidation for Contador, the stage for Rujano. "We both did our share of the work and because of that we won."
Despite the agreement, which the two seemed to have discussed on the road, Rujano was checking over his shoulder several times as he approached the line. But he didn't need to worry. Contador gave Rujano the same gesture as to Andy Schleck on the Tourmalet in the 2010 Tour de France.
The race returns to Sestrière this year, offering another opportunity for Rujano to succeed in the ski resort. On the penultimate day, the bunch will head from Lago Maggiore to Sestrière. In all likelihood, Contador will have an even bigger cushion than the three minutes he currently holds on Vincenzo Nibali. This could mean he is once again in the mood of handing out presents, if Rujano is able to keep his form and keep up with Contador.
Rujano started out with Colombia - Selle Italia in 2003 and did his first Giro d'Italia in 2005. He surprised with a third place overall, after finishing on the podium in four stages, including his win on the next-to-last day. In 2011, the Sestrière stage is once again one day from the finish in Milano. A good sign for Rujano?