Cycling: Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) has won the second stage of the Vuelta a San Juan. The Frenchman was able to break away three kilometers from the finish and just saved himself from his pursuers. However, his former teammate Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) remains the overall leader.
Second stage shortened: Heat at the Vuelta a San Juan
The UCI Extreme Weather Protocol was used on the second stage of the 37th Vuelta a San Juan. Due to the great heat in Argentina, the section was shortened from 160,2 kilometers to 132,1 kilometers. Nevertheless, the profile from Chimbas to Peri Lago Punta Negra remained challenging, because the ascent at Lago Punta Negra (3rd category) had to be crossed four times. First, four riders were able to break away from the peloton. However, the quartet did not stay together long and fell apart bit by bit. One after the other had to Edison Bravo (Chile national team), Miguel Álvarez (Mexico national team) and Andre Gohr (Brazil national team) tear. Finally just made it Hamish Schreurs (Israel Cycling Academy) as a soloist for the last ten kilometers. However, he was also caught there.
Alaphilippe pulls through but Gaviria stays ahead
The peloton picked up speed the last time they had to climb the Lago Punta Negra. Responsible for this Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick Step), Tiesj Benoot (Lotto – Soudal) and Nairo Quintana (Movistar). With three kilometers to go, the trio was able to put a few meters between them and the main field, which was only around 30 strong. While Tiesj Benoot and Nairo Quintana couldn't resist the pace of the pursuers in a flat stretch, Julian Alaphilippe went through with his plan. Remained without loss of time Simone Consonni (UAE Team Emirates) and Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe) only second and third place in the sprint. The UAE Team Emirates still has reason to be happy because the captain Fernando Gaviria was able to defend his overall lead. The Colombian finished XNUMXth in the first group and is now three seconds ahead of stage winner Julian Alaphilippe thanks to a sprint won.
This is top-class cycling from @deceuninck_qst's Julian Alaphilippe 👌#VueltaSJ2019 @alafpolak pic.twitter.com/5UbXvZuEu9
- Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 28 January 2019
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