My technique in time trials is to start a little slower. I've made the mistake in the past of starting too hard and losing a bit at the end. So in my way of thinking it's better to save something for the end.

I knew I had good legs after my victory in the Tour of California but to take the jersey so early in the race comes as a bit of a surprise. I will do my utmost to keep the jersey now for it is very important for the team and the sponsor.

I haven't done any reconnaissance like the Tour, but I looked at the maps...Anyway, it is a case that if you're strong enough in the mountains, you can win the Vuelta. If not, you get dropped! There are seven mountaintop finishes, or something like that. So your strength is the most important thing. As for the time trials, I think the prologue is a bit short. But the last two are better for me.

I didn't know what other riders' times were, so at the end I was a little bit surprised. But the guys at the front were the guys I expected to be at the front, so we'll go forward from here.