Cycling: Roman Villalobos (Canels Specialized) has won the second stage of the Vuelta a San Juan. The 27-year-old Costa Rican rider edged out local hero Ricardo Escuela (Agrupacion Virgen De Fatima) and Belgian Tiesj Benoot (Lotto Soudal). All three managed to get to the finish line just ahead of the peloton. Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors), who yesterday the first stage won, lost the connection shortly before the end - and with it the leader's jersey.
No time for sightseeing
The second stage of the Vuelta a San Juan took the riders along a nearly 150-kilometer route around Peri Lago Punta Negra. However, the drivers could not really enjoy the beautiful view by the water and between the mountains. A few breakaways broke away from the peloton early on. After a tough chase, the fugitives were caught about seven kilometers from the finish line. However, since the profile was relatively wavy, there was no calm and the field could not be controlled.
Villalobos & co. with attack close to the target
Three kilometers before the finish line broke up Roman Villalobos, Ricardo Escuela and Tiesj Benoot. The Belgian was the first driver to start the sprint. His competitors were still able to overtake him. The trio made it across the finish line in front of the peloton without any time differences. The leader was no longer able to ride there Fernando Gaviria, who crossed the finish line eight seconds after them and thus had to hand over the yellow jersey to the day's winner. A total of 32 drivers are now within ten seconds. Surprisingly had to accept a loss of time, among other things Jarlinson Swamp (Trek Segafredo) and Ivan Garcia (Bahrain-Merida), as well Winner Anacona and Richard Carapaz (Movistar).
Tiesj Benoot:
“I didn't feel good in the first part of the race, but I got my good legs back in the final. We had a good plan and were very active in the final. I'm happy with my attempt, but in the sprint the other two were simply better."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuqOaDx6pEw
Cover image source: @ flickr: © vueltaasanjuanok