Zaugg looking towards Vuelta's final weeks and new season

Swiss Oliver Zaugg is looking forward to riding out the remaining two weeks of the Vuelta a España and the following season with Team Liquigas. The 27 year-old Ticinese of Team Gerolsteiner, riding in his second Spanish Grand Tour, is currently in the top-20 of the overall classification.

"Last year, I finished 15th overall and this year already in 15th overall," he said to Cyclingnews' Bjorn Haake before Monday's stage. He moved down to 18th overall as part of the 12-man escape in stage nine edged into the overall picture.

He happily faces the remaining 12 stages and a chance to ride higher in the rankings. "There are no more flat time trials, which is good for me," Zaugg continued. He will be honing his skills in the high mountain passes for next year when he will ride along side Italian Ivan Basso.

Liquigas Team Manager Roberto Amadio confirmed Zaugg would ride for the team in 2009 last month. Basso will use Zaugg's abilities gained as a professional with Saunier Duval – three years – and Gerolsteiner – the last two years.

"I will be going there," said Zaugg of his new team. "I have not signed the contract yet ... I will ride for Liquigas; the contract will likely be signed next week."