The American Tejay van Garderen (BMC) secured the queen stage of the Tour of Catalonia today. After 166 kilometers and five climbs - three of them first, one second and one of the highest category - he prevailed in Vallter 2000 ahead of Romain Bardet (Ag2R-La Mondiale) and Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo). It was Van Garderen's first win in a WorldTour race.
The stage was initially characterized by the tasks of Chris Horner (Lampre-Merida) and Carlos Betancurs (Ag2R La Mondiale). Both did not compete in the stage due to health problems.
With temperatures in the single digits and snowfall in the last few kilometers, a leading group around Stef Clement (Belkin), Thomas De Gendt (Omega Pharma-QuickStep), Ruben Plaza (Movistar) and Maxime Mederel (Europcar) was able to hold its own until a few kilometers from the finish . After that, it was Frenchman Warren Barguil (Giant-Shimano) who tried to liven up the race. However, his attempt resulted in a counterattack by Chris Froomes (Sky), who forced Contador to react two kilometers before the finish line. Overall leader Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) was just as unimpressed as Van Garderen and Bardet. Both finally surprised the remaining favorites on the steepest part of the ascent to the finish line with a crisp start, which brought them the first two places on the day.
There was no change at the top of the overall standings. Rodriguez continues to lead ahead of Contador. However, Van Garderen is now in third place, having ousted the Colombian Nairo Quintana (Movistar) with his day's win.
Result
1.Tejay van Garderen (BMC) 4:49:30
2. Romain Bardet (Ag2R-La Mondiale) 0:00:00
3. Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) 0:00:03
4. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) 0:00:04
5. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) 0:00:05
Total
1. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) 17:47:34
2. Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) 0:00:04
3.Tejay van Garderen (BMC) 0:00:07
4. Romain Bardet (Ag2R-La Mondiale) 0:00:10
5. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) 0:00:10