Today's 175 kilometer long sixth stage of the Vuelta a Espana between Guijuelo and Cáceres looked like a treat for the sprinters but Omega-Pharma Quick Step's German time trial World Champion, Tony Martin launched an early attack into a long solo ride in front of the field.

The sprinter teams were aware of the danger and they kept the German within reach while the Team Saxo-Tinkoff riders were sitting comfortably in their wheels to avoid getting caught behind. Michael Mørkøv was waiting for his chance to shine.

Argos-Shimano and Orica-GreenEdge were the two most dominating teams in the chase while Omega-Pharma QuickStep saved their energy for the finale. Even though Tony Martin picked up the pace within the final ten kilometers, he was caught after a 174 kilometer long time trial and the stage was decided in another sprint where the Team Saxo-Tinkoff Dane, Michael Mørkøv thundered away and went past Radioshack's Fabian Cancellara and Lampre's Maximiliano Richeze to take the second stage win for Team Saxo-Tinkoff.

“I'm so happy about this win and unbelievably proud. Winning in the Danish national jersey is special but to win in Vuelta a Espana is probably the highlight of my career. I have been waiting for this opportunity and the guys and staff have been so supportive all the way. I just stayed on the wheel of Fabian on the final few hundred meters and I was worried about opening the sprint too soon but it was just perfect,” said a very happy Michael Mørkøv to Saxo-Tinkoff’s webpage. 

And Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s Directeur sportif, Fabrizio Guidi was as proud as the stage winner:

“I'm really proud of Michael and happy that he succeeded today. He's a true professional and maybe one of the most professional riders in the field. He always works hard and always does exactly what we expect him to. Today, he was allowed to go for it and in his usual way of performing, he took the win”, said Fabrizio Guidi.