Primoz Roglic wins at the top of Angliru, new hat-trick for Jumbo-Visma in the 17th stage of the Vuelta Five days after surpassing its competitors on the Tourmalet slopes, Jumbo-Visma did it again this Wednesday on the Alto de l’Angliru, known for being one of the most difficult climbs in the world. After getting rid of all their adversaries, Primoz Roglic, Jonas Vingegaard, and Sepp Kuss found themselves alone in control of the stage three kilometers from the finish line, and if the red jersey lost a little ground to its two teammates who did not wait for it On the most difficult slopes of the Asturias monster, the American ended up saving his jacket for eight seconds.
Evenepoel tried again
The beginning of this short (124.4 km), but relentless stage, with three major climbs, was marked by numerous attacks. The adventurers tried their luck, like Remco Evenepoel, who no longer has any objective in the general classification and ended up sneaking into the good breakaway, but the Vuelta favorites were visibly determined to compete for victory this Wednesday.
The Belgian crossed Alto de la Colladiella (7.8km at 7.1%) and Alto del Cordal (5.4km at 9.2%) in the lead and thus consolidated his jersey as the best climber, counting up to three minutes early and started the Angliru. he was alone in the lead but was finally devoured by the red jersey group 6 kilometers from the finish line.
The big names were then able to launch big hostilities. Romain Bardet tried his luck but the Bahrain-Victorioso of Wout Poels, Mikel Landa and Santiago Buitrago set a very sustained pace from the feet of Angliru and managed to loosen all of his opponents with great difficulty, including Juan Ayuso, 4th overall. in the steepest sections. All, except the three Jumbo-Vismas, who ended up blowing up the Bahraini trio so they could compete for victory among friends.
Kuss did not expect
However, the three companions did not join forces until the end. When Kuss found himself in difficulty 2 kilometers from the finish, Roglic and Vingegaard did not wait for him and kept up their efforts, and the American would probably have lost his red jersey if Landa had not come back from behind and ridden for him to the end.
Vingegaard, who did not compete for the stage victory in Roglic, is thus only eight seconds behind Kuss and if the Dane repeats over and over again that he would be delighted to see his teammate win the Vuelta, it is clear that he has not shown it. this Wednesday. The general classification could be sealed on Thursday, in the last mountain stage of the test that will end in Puerto de la Cruz de Linares. The three Jumbos will probably finish on the podium in this Vuelta. It remains to be seen in what order.
