¡¡ATHENS, Aug. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Spanish cyclist Joan Llaneras, runner-up in the points race at Athens Olympics, said the champion Mikhail Ignatyev of Russia is a bomb for him.

    In the points race, the Spaniard covered the 40km course with a total of 82 accumulative points, while Iganatyev grabbed 93, and the German bronze medallist Guido Fulst, 79.

    "He is a strong person and before the match, I knew he would bestrong, that is impossible to fight against, he is a bomb," Llaneras told Xinhua during a press conference after the tournament.

    The 35-year-old Spanish rider, who was champion in the points race at Sydney Olympics, also said the race was difficult for him as he was the maxim favourite.

    "It isn't easy to run as I was the maxim favourite, but I am happy and excited, for the silver is for me, for my team and for Spain," said Llaneras, fourth placed in the event at World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, in May.

    As to the big age, the Spanish cyclist stressed it is out of question.

    "In order to keep a good status, the question is on the mind, is on whether you are going to have illusions, you are going to have the willingness to win,"he said.

    "In my case, I have my family, I have a group of friends, they have given me a lot of support so that I can have success in cycling," he added. Enditem