Cycling: Once again, a professional was happy too early in a cycling race. It was not Sacha Modolo (Team EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale) who won the start of the Ruta del Sol, but Thomas Boudat (Direct Energie). Germany's Jonas Koch (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) finished seventh. Chris Froome (Sky), who started his season at the Ruta del Sol today, also arrived with the peloton.
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Froome spoke about himself before the start
Although the Ruta del Sol is not part of the WorldTour, it is enjoying the greatest attention this season. The reason: Chris Froome (Sky) takes part in the five-day tour. The criticized Briton once again protested his innocence before the start:
“A lot of misinformation has been spread. When all the facts are on the table, people will understand my arguments. We're working as hard as we can to solve the case. Nobody wants a quick clarification more than I do.”
According to the latest reports from the Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport Chris Froome this wish will soon be fulfilled. There it is reported that the UCI will open proceedings against the Sky captain in the coming days.
Boudat still intercepts Modolo, Koch seventh
Even if the worldwide reporting allows a different conclusion: At the Ruta del Sol people actually ride a bike. Today was the start over 197,6 kilometers from Mijas to Granada. No fewer than six mountain classifications had to be crossed. Five drivers hoped for success by fleeing: Txomin Juaristi (Euskadi), Luis Mas (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Garikoitz Bravo (Euskadi Basque Country Murias), Romain Sicard (Direct Energie) and the Swiss Sylvan Dillier (AG2R La Mondiale). However, the undertaking was futile, as some professionals with strong sprints survived the climbs well. So it came to a sprint of a large group in the finish Granada, the Sacha Modolo (Team EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale) thought they were winning. He was wrong, however, which should once again draw some glee from some spectators as the Italian was already pouncing to celebrate. Instead, the Frenchman won Thomas Boudat (Direct Energie), who is also the first leader.
Quién ganó? ¿Modolo que celebró? ¿Boudat? pic.twitter.com/Uot4jZYOft
— Alpe d'Huez B&T (@Alpe__dHuez) February 14, 2018
YEAH! @La_Boud ouvre le compteur des victoires 2018 you @TeamDEN_fr sur la 1ère stage de la #RutadelSol, after a magnifique échappée de @sicard_romain ! #AllezDirectEnergy pic.twitter.com/80QAj12VX7
— ⚡ Direct Thierry 🤖 (@Thierry_Moussu) February 14, 2018
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Profile of the 2nd stage of the Ruta del Sol on February 15.02: Otura – Alto de las Allanadas (140,0 kilometers)
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Stage profile #3 of the Ruta del Sol on February 16: Mancha Real – Herrera (166,1 kilometers)
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Profile of the 4th stage of the Ruta del Sol on February 17.02th: Seville – Alcalá de los Gazules (194,7 kilometers)
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5th stage of the Ruta del Sol on February 18: Barbate – Barbate (14,2 kilometers / individual time trial)
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