Vuelta stage 17
Mikel Nieve moved into the top 10 after a strong showing on today's 17th stage of the Vuelta a España. The last summit-finish stage saw Froome and Cobo duke it out, but Antón and Nieve weren't far behind in fifth and sixth respectively. The duo crossed the line side by side at 27 seconds, meaning Nieve ascended to tenth overall, ten seconds ahead of No 11 Poels. Nieve had a couple of digs at the stage-win inside the last few kilometres with some powerful surges but couldn't get away. Txurruka also tried his luck five kilometres out, but despite his admirable attacking performances in this race there's no hiding he's some way off top form. Antón was dislodged inside the last two clicks but recovered well to finish a morale-boosting fifth.
Stage results:
- 5, Antón, 0:27
- 6, Nieve, s.t.
- 25, Txurruka, 2:19
- 56, Martínez, 7:22
- 57, Verdugo, 7:27
- 77, Isasi, 11:46
- 93, Oroz, 17:53
- 109, Azanza, s.t.
- 113, Cazaux, s.t.
General classification:
- 10, Nieve, 5:33
- 34, Txurruka, 47:23
- 36, Antón, 50:42
- 37, Verdugo, 54:39
- 58, Oroz, 1:45:15
- 59, Martínez, 1:45:52
- 80, Isasi, 2:11:15
- 87, Azanza, 2:25:23
- 153, Cazaux, 3:57:24
4 comments:
I was sad that Euskatel did not win today, but it the stage was awesome. The last climb was intense and Froome is really fighting for it!
Just a shame Froome went for it, Nieve looked ready to attack just when he went for it...
Well in the end Anton was better even.
Its so weird, as you said Anton was dropped with 2km to go but on the steep slopes he is just so much better.
It seems he rides on it more on talent than on form. We saw the same on the Zoncolan where he was much better than the rest of the Giro.
Still, lets hope he can find his form back next year.
This Vuelta is a step back to the Euskaltel I know. The last 2 years the team really stepped up, but this is the first time again they don't deliver where they were expected to bring something.
No need to wait for next year. Im hoping for anton to be on peak for gdl!
Here's some of my photos to peña cabarga, exiting stage as I found myself losing my voice cheering for froome. Also got a real awkward pic with juanma garate
https://picasaweb.google.com/107994777371882995640/LaPenaCabarga
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