La Vuelta, stage 13 – Vegard Stake Laengen – It’s infuriating to get so close to the stage victory –

THE ANALYSIS

Provided by Vegard Stake Laengen: “The breakaway was established rather quickly, and soon we understood that the peloton was not interested in catching us before the finish. Lots of the guys in the pack needed a break from hard racing. But within the escape group, we were attacking each other constantly on the final circuit. When Valerio Conti (Lampre Merida) went, I was just behind him. I tried to catch him several times, but after all the effort I was pretty empty. It’s really infuriating to get so close to the stage victory. But I have to admit I was not the strongest today.”

THE EXPLANATION

Given by Mario Chiesa: “Vegard is a very strong rider, and definitely able to perform well in time trials. Being with him in a breakaway is not an easy thing. He is so strong that he can quickly have his opponents in the red. But he may be missing a touch of experience. This season is his first at the World Tour level. I’m sure he will quickly mature enough to start taking the victories. And then he will be even more formidable.”

THE GLANCE

Dries Devenyns kept full hold on his sensitivity and good aim throughout this thirteenth stage. While rolling near the rear of the pack, the Belgian rider did not hesitate to lean low to his side and hand his water bottle to a child, while still riding at full speed.

THE MENU

It has come time to talk about the queen stage. On Saturday, the peloton will cross no fewer than three category 1 climbs before finishing at the top of the Aubisque. The final climb goes on for 16.5 kilometers with an average gradient of 7.1%, making it well worthy of its hors catégorie rating.

Race Pictures – BettiniPhoto