The Czech tried his chance in the final, but was caught with one kilometer to go.
Igualada welcomed the peloton for the first time since 1981, when Bernard Hinault won and took the leader’s jersey, before going on to win the general classification. This time around, in the spotlight there was a massive breakaway, comprising 21 riders, who got green light from a bunch who were already thinking of the tough stage in Andorra that will bring down the curtain over the first part of the race.
Returning at the Spanish Grand Tour after three years, Zdenek Stybar joined the move and remained attentive on the roads that became extremely slippery once rain decided to make an appearance and complicate matters even more for the escapees. Attacks came thick and fast from the group, but despite numerous attempts, many of which were launched on Puerto de Montserrat, none could stick, and it all came back together inside the last three kilometers.
When Tobias Ludvigsson (Groupama-FDJ) punched clear from the group, Zdenek Stybar was the first to counter, catching and dropping the Swede. A short glance over the shoulder convinced the Czech to continue his action, his fast and determined turn of legs ensuring him a seven-second advantage over the chasers. It looked like he would go all the way and capture his second La Vuelta stage win, but a concerted effort from behind reeled in Zdenek under the flamme rouge, and all that he could do after emptying himself on the road and putting in a valiant effort was see the others fight for victory.
“I am disappointed, because I had a big chance to take the victory. I felt good the entire day, even on the climb where we there were a couple of attacks and attempts of riders to go clear. Then it started to rain and the downhill was very slippery, but I managed it quite well there”, Zdenek explained at the finish. “Afterwards, we chased the four guys who went clear. It was a bit chaotic, due to the wet roads, but we brought them back and I responded to an attack, then continued on my own and hoped I could get the win, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. That’s life, that’s cycling.”
Photo credit: ©Justin Setterfield/ Getty Images
