Cycling: Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) used all his experience today. The Italian won the third stage of the Vuelta a España despite being briefly held back. The new overall leader is top favorite Chris Froome (Sky). Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) no longer plays a role in the race for overall victory. The Spaniard lost a lot of time and will now focus on stage wins in his farewell.
The first mountain stage already on the third day
Today the Vuelta a España should reach Spanish soil for the first time. But after a few kilometers, the home of the Tour of Spain will be left again. Because over 158,5 kilometers it went from Prades Conflent Canigó to Andorra la Vella. The first mountain stage of the Vuelta a España was already on the program on the third day. There was the Col de la Perche (Cat 1), the Col de la Rabassa (Cat 1) and finally the Col de la Comella (Cat 3) to complete. Certainly not the hardest mountain stage of the three weeks, but a good early form shouldn't hurt.
Eight riders ahead - but Bahrain-Merida controls
Eight drivers went on the offensive right after the start: Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal), Przemysław Niemiec (UAE), Davide Villella (Cannondale-Drapac), Fernando Orjuela (Mantana Postobon), Fabricio Ferrari (Caja Rural), Anthony Turgis (Cofidis) and Axel Domont & Alexandre Geniez (Ag2r). For a short time, Team Ag2r tried to exploit their superiority in the group and sent Dumont into the attack. But the other group members smelled the roast and collected it relatively quickly. In the peloton, the Bahrain-Merida team took over the pace work from the Quick-Step Floors team in good time. No wonder Vincenzo Nibali is in a good position after yesterday's stage.
Sky picks up the pace – Alberto Contador tears
Heading up the Col de la Rabassa, Team Sky took control. As with the Tour de France, the British team only feels comfortable when the reins are in their hands. The lead of the breakaways has been reduced. Geniez and Villella were able to save themselves over the crest, but after that it happened to them too. Meanwhile, to the surprise of everyone, Chris Froome (Sky) secured the bonus seconds in the intermediate sprint. After another increase in speed by Team Sky, the group was completely blown up. Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) was also unable to keep up with this high pace.
Chris Froome attacks – Vincenzo Nibali drives with nerves of steel
Just before the summit of the Col de la Comella, Chris Froom flexed his muscles. At first only Esteban Chaves (Orica-Scott) could follow his attack. After that, Fabio Aru (Astana) and Romain Bardet (Ag2r) also came back. With the exception of Vincenzo Nibali, all top favorites were represented at the front. But the Italian was also able to reconnect with his group just before the finish line. After another attack by Chris Froome went in vain, the decisive sprint took place. Aru put his nose into the wind, but his former teammate and compatriot Nibali overtook him. Aru had started much too early. Second was David de la Cruz (Quick-Step Floors) ahead of Chris Froome. The Briton gets another time bonus and thus also the overall lead.
Vuelta a España stage #3 daily classification
Tour Locations | Driver | Country | Team | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Vincenzo Nibali | Italy | Bahrain-Merida | 4:01:22 |
2. | David of the Cross | Spain | Quick Step Floors | st |
3. | Chris Froome | Great Britain | Sky | st |
4. | Romain Bardet | France | Ag2r | st |
5. | Stephen Chaves | Colombia | Orica Scott | st |
6. | Fabio Arau | Italy | Astana | st |
7. | Nicholas Roche | Ireland | BMC | st |
8. | Tejay Van Garderen | USA | BMC | st |
9. | Dominic Pozzo alive | Italy | Ag2r | st |
10. | Michael Woods | Canada | Cannondale Drapac | + 0: 25 |
Vuelta a España stage #3 general classification
Tour Locations | Driver | Country | Team | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Chris Froome | Great Britain | Sky | 8:53:44 |
2. | David of the Cross | Spain | Quick Step Floors | + 0: 02 |
3. | Nicholas Roche | Ireland | BMC | st |
4. | Tejay Van Garderen | USA | BMC | st |
5. | Vincenzo Nibali | Italy | Bahrain-Merida | + 0: 10 |
6. | Stephen Chaves | Colombia | Orica Scott | + 0: 11 |
7. | Fabio Arau | Italy | Astana | + 0: 38 |
8. | Adam Yates | Great Britain | Orica Scott | + 0: 39 |
9. | Dominic Pozzo alive | Italy | Ag2r | + 0: 43 |
10. | Romain Bardet | France | Ag2r | + 0: 48 |
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