Storer claims 2nd stage in Vuelta, Eiking takes overall lead after breakaway
Aug 25, 2021
Madrid (Spain), August 25: Odd Christian Eiking (Intermarche Wanty) is the new leader of the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain) cycle race after forming part of a breakaway which finished Stage 10 almost 12 minutes ahead of overnight leader Primoz Roglic on Tuesday.
Eiking finished fifth on the stage which was won by Australian climber Michael Storer (Team DSM) as the young climber took his second stage win of the race after launching an attack on the second category Puerto del Almachar at 15 kilometers from the finish in Rincon de la Victoria.
Storer finished 22 seconds ahead of a group of four riders, which included Eiking, after holding off their attempts to catch up to him on the rapid descent to the finish line.
The main peloton, which had been controlled by Roglic's Jumbo Visma team, had been happy to see the breakaway of 31 riders escape on the first stage back following Monday's rest day, although they perhaps miscalculated by allowing the breakaway to open a lead of over 13 minutes.
Roglic looked to surprise his main rivals in the overall classification with a powerful attack on the final climb and pulled over 20 seconds clear of riders such as Enric Mas (Movistar), Adam Yates, and Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers), but he slid out on the descent after his front wheel hit a crack in the road.
Fortunately, he wasn't hurt and was able to cross the line at the same time as the other main favorites.
Eiking leads Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) by 58 seconds in the overall classification, while Roglic is now third 2:17 minutes behind. However, the Slovenian may not be too disappointed at ceding the leader's jersey and the obligations it carries for him and his team for a few days and he will be confident of recovering his lead in the tough days that still lie ahead.
Wednesday's stage is a short, but hilly 133 kilometers between Antequera and Valdepenas de Jaen, which only has one categorized climb, but has continuous ups and downs and ends with a short, but sharp ascent to the finish where Roglic may fancy recovering a few seconds.
Source :Xinhua
