Many observers believed that Thursday’s stage in the Vuelta a España would be a relatively relaxed affair after the individual time trial on Wednesday and prior to the mountainous challenges lurking on the horizon during the weekend.
Due to the wind, however, a relaxed affair was turned into a hectic day with a punishing finale. Second placed Nicolas Roche (Saxo-Tinkoff) was among the riders who were surprised at how the events of the day unfolded.
“I thought it would be a quiet day but the wind obliged us to stay very attentive during the whole stage,” Roche declared. “I opted for staying away all day. It’s not been a rest day but I’m ok. Yesterday evening, after the time trial, I was exhausted. The daily ceremony takes energy from me every day. I must be careful.”
Roche managed to gain a couple of bonus seconds during the stage and thus narrowed the gap to race leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and solidify his position as runner-up. Roche now trails Nibali by 31 seconds prior to Friday’s stage.
14.05 - 19.05: 4 Jours de Dunkerque |
15.05 - 19.05: Tour of Hellas |
15.05 - 19.05: Orlen Nations GP |
16.05 - 19.05: Vuelta a Burgos Feminas |
16.05 - 19.05: Tour of Sakarya |
16.05 - 19.05: Vuelta a Santiago del Estero |
17.05 - 19.05: SPIE Juniorendriedaagse |
18.05 - 19.05: Trophée Centre Morbihan |
19.05: Antwerp Port Epic Ladies |
19.05: GP Gorenjska |
Frederik Bjørn SØRENSEN 21 years | today |
David MEYS 47 years | today |
Paolo CENTRA 39 years | today |
Raido KODANIPORK 55 years | today |
Edgar GAYTAN 37 years | today |
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