Another strong result for our team in Spain.
The first big climbing stage after the rest day covered 166 kilometers between Alto de Velefique and Calar Alto. It was La Vuelta’s first visit to Calar Alto in almost a decade, and it came as no surprise that many riders were determined to fight for the stage win on the climb, which took the peloton to more than 2100 meters above sea level.
Soudal Quick-Step’s Mauri Vansevenant was part of the day’s main breakaway, a 30-rider move that stayed clear until the finish. While several riders launched attacks from the group, the Belgian rode at a steady tempo and paced his effort well on the final climb to secure a top-five finish on the stage won by Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious).
After the stage, Mauri talked about his day at the front: “It was important to choose my own pace and hold on for as long as possible. I had a bit of problems on the early slopes, but I was then able to get into my rhythm, and towards the end of the climb, I felt really good. Top five on this tough ascent is a result that makes me confident for the next stages.”
Photo credits: ©Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images
