Rubén Plaza demonstrated to be very ambitious in the 18th stage of the Tour de France. Three days ago, he obtained an impressive victory in Gap and in today’s stage which started in the same city, he was protagonist in the main breakaway of the race.
The 186.5km stage, with 7 mountains and finish in Saint Jean de Maurienne, became interesting immediately after the start: on the first climb, the Col de Bayard which was tackled few kilometres into the stage, Plaza joined 28 riders in a break
The breakaway had a maximum advantage of 6', but Plaza today could not repeat the winning attack from last Monday. In fact, the Spanish rider could not react to the attack from Bardet in the final part of the Col du Glandon.
Plaza dropped into the top riders group and he did not go full gas on the last climb (Lacets de Montvemiers), crossing the finish line in 22nd, 5'12" behind Bardet.
Tomorrow the 19th stage, Saint Jean de Maurienne-La Toussuire, is short (138 km) and full of climbs, with one hors category KOM, two 1st category and one 2nd category climb. One thing is sure: Lampre-Merida will attack again.
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