A strategic breakaway on the ultimate gruelling ascent within the mountains of northern Spain secured Slovenian Primoz Roglič victory in stage 19 of the Vuelta a España, in addition to the chief’s crimson jersey.
The 34-year-old had misplaced the crimson jersey to Australian Ben O’Connor after stage six however has since chipped away on the lead earlier than reclaiming it with a powerful efficiency within the mountains of the La Rioja province.
“I had some very nice reminiscences from this climb and I did not miss this chance, I am glad,” Roglič mentioned.
Whereas a number one group maintained a slender lead over the peloton for many of the race, none tried a breakaway earlier than the 11km climb main as much as the end line at Alto de Moncalvillo.
Roglič noticed a possibility midway by the demanding ascent and seized it, by no means trying again.
He crossed the end line alone, 46 seconds forward of Frenchman David Gaudu, who took second place. Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose completed third.
O’Connor, figuring out his lead was in peril, tried to maintain up however completed twelfth.
Roglič now has a one minute and 54 second total lead over O’Connor.
“I used to be a bit damaged on the finish. I really felt fairly good till midway,” O’Connor mentioned.
“I wasn’t actually stunned, however I did not count on myself to be so unhealthy on the finish. I used to be a bit common to be trustworthy. However that is simply the fact.”
Reuters
